Thomas John Prezioso

Late Monday night God called his son home after a two year battle with mesothelioma surrounded by family and friends. Thomas is survived by his wife Mary Susan of 40 years, daughter Marisa-Danielle Opalka (Gregory), daughter Amanda Marie, daughter Sarah Anne, adopted son Edmond Martinez, sister Anna Marie Scroger (David), several nieces, nephews, and great-nephews and countless family and extended family in Europe and the States. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Batista and Angelina Prezioso, and brother Anthony. He was a loving father, husband, and friend to all and will be greatly missed.

His life was nothing short of an adventure. At age 11, along with his parents and two siblings, immigrated to the United States from Grenoble, France to Niles, Ohio. Where he later met the love of his life, Mary Susan (Arambasick), marrying on June 24, 1978. Shortly after their marriage they moved to El Paso, Texas and entered into Officers Basic Training at Fort Bliss as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served in the U.S. Army for 9 years and his service extended into the many volunteer programs such as Special Olympics Aquatics, Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick’s ACTS and choir, and the Amici Italian Club, that he became a part of on his return to El Paso from being stationed in Europe.

Thomas retired after 32 years at the Boeing Company, leaving behind a legacy of great achievement developing and supporting the B1-Weapons System Program and the International Space Station.

Thomas loved nothing more than being in his garden and in the company of friends and family making jokes and telling tall tales. His family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Roy and Renata Martinez, Gilbert and Nicole Pinon, Greg and Brenda Quintana, Dr. David Rice and Dr. Zhong Xing Liao of MD Anderson, Dr. Muneer Assi, Dr. Jesus Gomez, Dr. Suresh Antony, Julie Zuniga, and to the staffs of Telemetry and IMC at The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus, the staff at MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center in Houston, and the many physicians and nurses who supported Thomas and his wife.

Visitation will be held Sunday May 15, 2016 from 5-9 p.m., with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Ressler, El Paso, TX 79912. Funeral Mass will be held Monday May 16, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cathedral followed by interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gregory Opalka, James Lynch, Roy Martinez, Edmond Martinez, Gilbert Pinon, Greg Quintana, Ken Arambasick, and Justin Beaver.

Family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations to be made to either Special Olympics Penguins 4100 Rio Bravo St. El Paso, TX 79902 or Envision Hospice 8929 Viscount Blvd. El Paso, TX 79925.