Walter Thomas Alsop

Thomas Alsop

July 27, 1942 – August 9, 2024

Fishers, IN

Tom Alsop was born July 27, 1942, in Indianapolis to Russell Alsop and Carolyn (Alberti) Alsop. His Catholic faith informed his philosophy on life, particularly as it relates to his compassion and idealism, which would become essential values in his future teaching career. He attended St. Anthony's Catholic School and Sacred Heart High School before pursuing undergraduate work at Marian College - including a semester at the Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia - and then a Master's degree at Indiana University. 

Tom's passion, adventurous spirit, and creativity characterized his distinguished professional career, spanning 58 years teaching Spanish at the middle-school, high-school, and college levels, with his longest tenures spent at Ben Davis High School and Butler University. He authored over 350 books and classroom teaching materials, led countless student trips abroad, directed teacher workshops in Spain, Mexico, and Cuba, and served multiple state and national professional language teaching organizations. For his dedication and efforts, he received numerous accolades, including a Rockefeller fellowship, The Nelson Brooks Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Culture, and the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Languages Founders Award for promotion of language learning, leadership, and contribution to the field.

Outside teaching, Tom led an equally full life. He loved music, concerts, and dancing, was an ardent Indianapolis sports fan who reveled in the highs and lows of the Colts and Pacers and had a tremendous enthusiasm for travel. Loyal in support to family, friends, and colleagues, his greatest pleasure was having fun with those who were important to him. Tom was most proud of his three grandchildren, who received his unending praise and attention.

Tom's light will shine on through the many people who had the joy of knowing him, especially his loving family: his wife of 56 years Jill (DeShon) Alsop, his son Dan Alsop, his daughter Nicole Alsop-Arbuckle, his grandchildren Cooper Alsop-Arbuckle, Tristan and Tinsley Alsop, and his siblings Sharon (Alsop) Thiesing, Diane (Alsop) Beal, and Ron Alsop and their families.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's memory to one of the following charities:

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box 6704
Hagerstown, MD 21741 

donate.cancer.org

American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese

160 Rail Road, Suite 3
Chesterton, IN 46304

aatsp.org

Central States Languages for All

5415 Olde Saybrooke Rd.

Grand Blanc, MI 48439

csctfl.org