(Thomas Don Reinberger)
March 4, 1935 - March 28, 2019
Tom Reinberger passed away peacefully at his home in Glendora, CA on March 28, 2019 from complications of cancer; he was 84 years old. Tom was born in Chicago, IL on March 4, 1935. He married Betty Marie McCulloch on January 18, 1958 and they enjoyed 55 years together before her passing in March 2013. Tom is lovingly remembered by his sons David and Andy, his grandchildren Kevin, Daniel and Dawn Marie, his brother Norm, his niece Laura, his daughter-in-law Linda, and his large extended family.
Tom was born in Chicago and his family moved to Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia before settling in the Los Angeles area in 1942. He graduated from El Monte High School in 1953 and held various jobs before marrying Betty and serving in the US Navy on the USS Kearsarge (CV-33). In 1961, he graduated from Cal State Los Angeles and started his 35 year career at the Chevron Corporation.
Tom always placed family first: his wife and children were always his priority; David and Andy have fond memories from throughout their childhood. He moved his family to Glendora in 1973 where they flourished. He was an active Boy Scout leader, planning and leading various outdoor adventures in the region's mountains and deserts. Tom and Betty's house was often the site of large family gatherings and always welcoming for out of town visitors.
Retirement did not slow Tom down, traveling with Betty to see the world and visit family. He loved people and was a talented networker who chaired many El Monte High School reunion committees and created the Chevron Lunch Gang, a monthly gathering of the Los Angeles area retirees in 1996. Tom showed his love for his community by volunteering in many local organizations: he was a founding member and current President of the Angeles Volunteer Association supporting the Crystal Lake Visitors Center; he was a member and current Secretary of the Glendora Preservation Foundation and the Annual Pumpkin Festival at Centennial Heritage Park in Glendora; he was a member, served on the board and current Parliamentarian of the Glendora Community Coordinating Council; he was a member of the Glendora Trails Council and a member of the Glendora Historical Society.
Tom was a natural story teller who loved our country, its history, military and politics. Tom loved sharing his knowledge with others when visiting national parks and monuments, war memorials and museums ; he would often be mistaken for a docent as crowds would gather around to listen to him speak.
These and other activities were a reflection of Tom's love of family, friends, the great outdoors and his community. He will be deeply missed by all.
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