Thomas J. Prior Jr.

Thomas Joseph Prior Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 surrounded by family. A Philadelphia native, Tom was the son of Thomas Sr. and Rita Boyle Prior. Born on March 16th, 1941, Tom grew up alongside his sisters, Theresa and Celine, and his brother, Ned. Tom spent his early years in West Philadelphia and loved to tell stories about playing basketball on the neighborhood courts (including with a young Wilt Chamberlain) and getting into all kinds of mischief with his army of cousins.

Tom was a loving and devoted husband and father. He adored his wife Jackie and, to the end, often referred to her as his bride. He was exceedingly proud of his four grandchildren and found incredible joy in spending time with them, chatting with them on the phone, and hearing about their lives. He was an ardent Eagles fan, loved reading Homer and Virgil, and rocked out to the Kingston Trio and the Beach Boys. While he had a number of additional favorite pastimes, none held a candle to taking his dog Rosie for long walks.

Tom's faith was deeply important to him, and he prided himself on living according to the Jesuit ethos of being a "man for others." He never missed a chance to brighten someone's day with a kind word, visit an infirmed friend, or offer assistance when needed. He touched many people's lives and was loved by all who knew him. We were blessed by his presence and take solace in knowing that he is now with God and is at peace.

Tom is survived by his wife Jacqueline Sexton Prior, his children David Prior (Karen) and Jennifer Prior Schlegel (Mark), and his brother Edward (Ned) Prior (Betty Anne). Tom will also be missed by his four grandchildren, Cooper Schlegel, Jack Schlegel, William Schlegel, and Katie Prior. And of course, he will be missed by his dog Rosie.

Tom's family is extremely grateful to the loving and dedicated staff at the Mansion at Rosemont and at Rosewood Gardens, the two communities that cared for Tom as he battled Parkinson's.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Katherine's 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. on Saturday, March 15th. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Tom's family from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM and then to join in his celebration of life at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken. https://www.stkatharineofsiena.org/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Saint Joe's Prep – 1733 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, or https://www.sjprep.org/support-the-prep. Tom helped found a scholarship at the Prep called "Men for Others." He also co-founded the Class of 1958 Endowed Scholarship Fund. Please follow this link and list either fund in the "notes" box to contribute.