Thomas Allan Reed

Thomas Allan Reed, 79 was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and passed away on Sept 28, 2024, from sepsis in Gilbert, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his cherished parents, Alvie and Violet, two brothers, Richard and Ronald, two sister-in-laws and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Janet Hiller, his son James (Sandy), granddaughter Katey (Erik) Goebel and great grand-children Berlin, Linkoln and Parker. He is also survived by seven nephews, Richard (Ronnie), Michael (Pam), Christopher, Rick (Charlene), Robert, David, and Daniel in addition to numerous great nephews and nieces.

Tom graduated from Austin High School in Chicago, IL in 1963. While in high school he was involved in NJROTC, band, baseball and state science fairs. He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1968 with a BS degree in physics. While at IIT he was the station manager of the college radio station. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a MS degree in Aerospace in 1972 and he received a second master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University in 1980. He was devoted to learning throughout his life. In retirement he took several college level classes in physics, history and constitutional law. He once said he finally understood the concepts of physics more than while in college.

Professionally Tom was a passionate and gifted high school physics teacher at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, IL. He wrote the curriculum for several physics related courses and authored several articles for professional journals. After 10 years of teaching, he sought new professional challenges and worked for several engineering firms doing technical writing and project management. After gaining experiences in the private sector in 1988 he started his own company, Reed and Associates, a technical communication firm. Tom was always involved in professional organizations. He served as president of the Society of Technical Communication, Chicago chapter. He was passionate about mentoring and supporting others through his involvement in SCORE and ESC chapters in the Chicago and Phoenix areas.

Tom was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016. He devoted himself to learning and researching bladder cancer. He has been active with BCAN (Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network) serving as a mentor to newly diagnosed patients, becoming their “Bladder Buddy”. He also served as a patient representative on the BCAN Scientific Advisory Boards, coauthored articles with research doctors and served on committees to approve federal dollars for research.

Tom had a quick wit and sense of humor and loved supporting and helping people. Having relocated with Janet to Mesa, AZ in 2018 to be close to family, he loved working on his garden scale train set up, listening to books on tape, taking adult college classes and following the Chicago Bears and Cubs.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, brilliant mind and willingness to help. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and all those whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early summer of 2025 in the Chicago area. Donations can be made in memory of Thomas Allan Reed to BCAN or the charity of your choice.

During your time of grief, we wish you peace and comfort through this difficult time.

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