Joseph Thomas “Tom” Reynolds
Joseph Thomas (Tom) Reynolds, 63, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 7, in his wife’s loving arms, at Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona, WI. Tom battled courageously for 28 years after suffering several strokes when he was 36. An avid sports fan, gardener and dog lover, Tom always had a positive outlook in spite of the hand of cards he was dealt. He was an inspiration to his friends and family.
Tom was born 4-15-49 in West Conshohocken, PA, the son of Joseph and Helen (Stanley) Reynolds, and attended Upper Merion High School where he was voted by classmates his senior year as most likely to succeed. Tom was a two-sport varsity athlete (football and baseball). He attended Ursinis College earning his degree in 1971. He was accepted into the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, where he graduated in 1975. Tom married long-time Sweetheart, Nora Nasielski, and joined an optometric practice in Manitowoc, WI. Tom was a member of the Manitowoc Elks Club. After a number of years in practice, Tom and Nora moved to Madison, WI, where Tom opened an optometric practice. Later, he accepted a position with Sterling Optical where he was employed as staff optometrist until he was forced to retire following several strokes and medical complications. Tom was a big Packer, Badger, and Brewer Fan.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Nora, dog Sophie, two sisters (Leah and June) and several nieces and nephews in Pennsylvania. Tom is survived in Madison by sister-in-law Alice (Bill) Battista and three nieces, Amy, Lori, and Beth and their families, whom Tom enjoyed very much as they grew up. He also is survived by Bob and Cindy Battista and their sons Brian and Michael who are like nephews to Tom as well as his many friends who loved and shared in Tom’s life and were touched by his example of strength and courage.
A funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 14th, at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, followed by a meal and fellowship at church. A visitation will be held at the Church beginning at 4:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Queen of Peace School Endowment Fund, Midvale Community Lutheran Church, Agrace HospiceCare, Apostolate to the Handicapped, or to the Dane County Humane Society
Nora and her family would like to thank the staff at Badger Prairie Health Care Center and Agrace HospiceCare for their compassion and care for Tom.
Visitation:
A visitation will be held at the Church beginning at 4:00 PM.
Service:
A funeral service will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 14th, at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, followed by a meal and fellowship at church.
