Thomas Joseph Prosapio

Tom was a doting husband, remarkable father, supportive big brother, and treasured friend to many. He was a proud Chicago native who, in his youth, ran cross country, played pool, and sang in the Glee Club at Leo High School. He later served his country in the Army and became a union member with Local Union 281. After retirement, he moved to wine country where he worked in tasting rooms and managed a wine club, befriending many wine professionals and aficionados in California and around the world.

He loved to plan and take trips of all kinds; his journeys took him to Canada, Alaska, France, Italy, many campgrounds in the Midwest and California, as well as Appalachia where he led a church service project. Tom had a knack for finding the most memorable destinations in the world, ranging from sophisticated wine bars to humble riverside campsites, and from the classiest hotels in Europe to the most whimsical bargain motels and shops in the country.

Tom was an avid runner throughout his life whose feats include the 100th running of the storied Boston Marathon. He was a movie buff and quoted his favorites frequently. He was a sports enthusiast and loyal fan of the Cubs and 49ers. He loved to cook, enjoyed bird-watching, appreciated art, the symphony and theatre, and dined in a few of the world’s most prestigious restaurants including the French Laundry in Napa. He also thoroughly entertained others in the 1980s as a clown with Sawdust Circus; such was his versatility and tenacity. He was a gifted storyteller, a wise advisor, a gentle coach, and a silly but thoughtful gift-giver.

Most notably, anyone who met Tom would mention his witty sense of humor and his uncanny ability to lighten any moment. He would be very pleased and proud that in his honor, his family and friends are finding humor and blessings in some of their toughest days.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of forty-four years, Sandy (née Mansch), his cherished sons Stephen and Joseph (Susan Popp), and his darling daughters Maria (late Mark Crisman) and Barbara (Jeffrey Steadman). He was the oldest child of Alphonso and Mary (née Stephens) and brother to Mariallyn (Joe Oczak), Jim, Jerry (Pat), and Claire (late Tim Kelly). He will also be remembered fondly by his grandchildren Dylan, Sydney (Kyle Graska), Gabrielle, and Nathan, and his great-grandchildren Matthew and Lucas, along with many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews.

To know Tom was to love him. He is mourned by his entire family as well as countless friends and colleagues from the union, the wine community in Sonoma County, his neighbors in Pacific Grove, and beyond.

Tom’s interment and celebrations of life will occur at later dates in California and Illinois. In lieu of cards or flowers, Tom would request donations in his name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Redwood Empire Food Bank in Santa Rosa, or the Art Institute of Chicago.