Thomas Gerothanas

Thomas Gerothanas

July 27, 1935 - February 18, 2022

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Obituary

Madison - Thomas Gerothanas, aged 86, passed away on February 18, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on July 27, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin to George and Jennie (Fotes) Gerothanas. Tom attended Madison Central High School. After graduating, he served 2 years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea, followed by 4 years in the U.S. Navy. Tom met his wife Ann in Madison and they married on March 11, 1961, in Plain, Wisconsin. Tom and Ann enjoyed 59 years of marriage until Ann’s passing in 2020. He retired from Ameritech after 30 years of service.

Above all else, Tom loved his family. He enjoyed coaching his sons in youth sports, fishing and hunting with his sons and nephews, and multiple trips with family and friends throughout the years. He was very happy attending his grandkids’ sporting events, and they all have many fun memories playing games and laughing with “Grandpa G.” He welcomed everyone with a generous spirit and kind heart, always with a hug or playful slug on the shoulder. Tom was a friend to all and an enemy to none and sustained many friendships. From his youth, military service, career with the phone company, and even his breakfast buddies at Brother’s and Denny’s in recent years, he treasured them all. He was extremely proud of and grateful for his Badger Honor Flight experience in 2012. His selfless care of Ann in her final years, with no complaint and only devotion, was an inspiration to his family.

Tom is survived by his sons Mitch (Erin) and Marc (Rebecca) Gerothanas; grandchildren, Jordan, Cassidy, Brady, Avery, Theo and Rhea Gerothanas; sister Emily (Don) Sweet, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Ann, son Michael, his parents, sister Mary Sweet, and many sisters and brothers in law.

We are grateful that on Tom’s final day, he was able to express, “I love everyone” and “I hope I’ve been a good Dad.” Mitch and Marc were able to assure him that he was the best.

The family offers sincere gratitude to the VA Hospital for the outstanding care Tom received, and the compassionate counsel provided in his last weeks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, on Friday, February 25th, 2022. A visitation will be held at the church from 11:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Online condolences are available at www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Service

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257

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AS
Ann & Don Schroeder
Other •
Tom was such a kind man & we enjoyed talking about the wonderful time he had flying with Badger Honor Flight. It was fun giving him the Honor Flight hat he loved wearing. When the first one got damaged, we gave him another. Cherish all the blessings and memories of this fine man.
MM
Michele and Scott Madsen
Other •
Mitch and the entire Gerothanas family You are in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the good memories. Wishing you peace.
JA
James and Ann Addis
Other •
Tom was a good neighbor and I enjoyed fishing with him a few times. Jim Quinlan and I enjoyed lunch with him from time to time. Even on the last day we chatted as he was getting ready to go to the VA emergency room he was cheerful and hopeful.Ann and I admired his dedication to Anns care and he missed her so much. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know him and his smile on his return from breakfast with his buddies will be missed. Jim and Ann Addis
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Teresa
Other •
My sincere condolences to your family. I lived in the same building as Tom and had brief encounters with him in the lobby or the garage, but he always lifted my spirits. He was a very kind man.
PP
Paula Pulvermacher
Other •
I was a nurse at the VA hospital & checked your Dad in several times for his appointments. I always enjoyed our visits-we just seemed to click. He was a dear sweet man. Sorry for your loss. I will treasure the memories. Paula
JS
Joan Statz
Other •
I know the name "Tom Gerothanas" from my husband, Greg Statz, through their telephone company connection. They worked together in Madison and I know had coffee and conversation many times together. I can't remember if he came to Greg's funeral in September, 2015. My sympathy to you and your family from Greg and me. Greg would be 88 years old at this time.

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