Thomas “Tommy” P. Wronski

Thomas Paul Wronski

Funny. Sarcastic. Well-read. In his last years, cheerful. These are some of the words I would use to describe my dad.

Each morning, my dad would visit Maryann at the VA library to get the crossword puzzle. This was one of his hobbies, and he was adept at solving even the larger ones. He was also a writer and a storyteller. He told countless stories about his father, his co-workers at the USPS, and his roommates at the VA. My dad also loved sports, and especially excelled at baseball, basketball, and golf. Among these, his greatest love was golf.

My dad grew up with a disgruntled father, but had a loving mother, sister, and brother. Being raised in Riverwest, he spent most of his free time in the parks, playing ball. He attended UWM for two years, before being drafted in 1969 for the Vietnam War. After serving nearly two years in the Army, he returned home to his own father’s funeral, and started working for the USPS, delivering mail.

In 2003, he was admitted to the VA for severe health issues. I visited him often that first, uncertain year. He recovered well, thank God, and spent his last 15 years on the VA grounds. I will always be grateful to the VA for giving him that first care, and subsequent residence, and to my Aunty Pam for organizing the care.

Many people will remember Thomas Paul Wronski. My sister and I as our dad. Aunt Pam and Uncle John as their brother. My cousins as their uncle. And his many friends, simply as Tommy.

Gathering at Kingo Lutheran Church, 1225 East Olive Street, Shorewood, WI 53212, on December 16th at 2:00 PM with a Celebration of Life at 3:00 PM.