Obituary: Thomas J. Masino - Class of 1968

MADISON - Thomas J. Masino, age 56, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2006, at home, surrounded by his loving family. In November 2005, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tom faced his illness courageously, undergoing surgery and treatment. Throughout his life, including during his brief illness, Tom always put his family and friends before himself. Tom was born on Jan. 7, 1950, to George Masino and Lou Ann (Brewer) Hultgren. He attended Central High School where he met the love of his life, the former Mary Maloney. They were united in marriage on May 22, 1969, and had two children, Cheryl and Laura Masino. On May 26, 1994, his pride and joy, granddaughter, Ashley was born. This was the proudest moment in his life. His famous words to her were, "I love you very much." Tom's chosen career was law enforcement, serving in Mineral Point, New Glarus, Blanchardville and the Iowa County Sheriff's Office. After many years, he decided to change careers and became the Operations Manager at the Iowa County Memorial Hospital. Shortly after he began working at the hospital, he realized his true passion and returned to serving the community. On July 5, 1987, he was hired as a Communicator in Dane County. Tom was promoted to Supervisor in 1995, and retired on April 1, 2006. Tom was a volunteer on the Town of Madison Fire Department in the early 70s and was a certified EMT. Tom also served as the Union President for AFSCME Local 720, Dane County Employees, before being promoted to supervisor. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary; daughters, Cheryl (Calvin) and Laura (Daniel); granddaughter, Ashley; and granddogs, Pooh Bear and Tito, all of Madison. He is further survived by his mother and step-father, Lou Ann and Allan Hultgren of Fitchburg; his father and step-mother, George and Karen Masino of Temecula, Calif.; siblings, Steven, Mary Ann, John, Jeff, Lisa, Michael and Christopher; and numerous other relatives and special friends. Tom was preceded in death by an infant brother, Robert. He had an effect on everyone he came in contact with and has left an emptiness in all of our hearts. He was the best at everything he did and he always did things his way. A memorial service celebrating Tom's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2006. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Tom, we will never say goodbye. You will be with us forever in our hearts. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on April 30, 2006

Note: Thomas Masino's photo appears as a sophomore in the 1966 Tychoberahn and a junior in the 1967 Tychoberahn, so his class year is probably 1968. Information about the yearbook photos was provided by Sidney Iwanter (Class of 1967).