My condolences to Tom's family. He made a big impression on me when I was a young reporter assigned to the Capitol in the 1990s and early 2000s. Tom and a couple of other veteran reporters sort of took me under their wings in a camaraderie that I think was rare then and may be even rarer now among media competitors, and their mentorship and friendship was incredibly valuable. I'm grateful to have had that time with him.

I am so very sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. I absolutely revered him as a journalist, and even more importantly as a friend. For myself and so many other Gold Dome denizens, he was always a must read. And when he jumped onto the editorial side, I always stopped in for a visit at the Chieftain. Pitching a story or idea and then just talking about anything and everything. May Tom’s memory be a blessing. Sam Mamet, retired Executive Director, Colorado Municipal League.

I worked with Tom at the Chieftain/Star-Journal back in the 1970's and 1980's. He was a great journalist, who actually practiced what he preached. My first acquaintance with Prof. McAvoy was in a journalism class at what was then Southern Colo. State College. He talked a lot in lectures about journalistic objectivity and ethics. Later, at the Chieftain, I observed him practicing what he taught. Over the years, whenever I thought about Tom one word would rise to the top of my ruminations--integrity.

Tom was one of my favorite reporters covering the Colorado Legislature. I served in the Senate from 1999-2006 and  Tom was truly one of the very best of people to know. While I represented Mesa County on the Western Slope, I was born and raised in Pueblo.
I am sorry to hear of his passing and I give my heartfelt condolences to his family and all of the people that knew and loved him.
Ron Teck

Tom was already an established journalist when I started my career as a young prosecutor.  With all of my many interactions with him, he remained a consummate professional.  I always enjoyed our chats.
Really a great guy.  An honor to have known him.

Tom was a terrific Colorado statehouse reporter for many years, certainly one of the best!

Chuck Berry, Speaker of the House, 1991-1998

Tom was my teacher, co-worker at The Pueblo Chieftain, and good friend. What a wonderful person.

So sorry Sue. We are thinking of you. Ironically I was just talking to Tommy a few weeks ago. I can’t believe it. He was a good friend over the years from our time at Mass Comm SCSC. 



My condolences to Sue and family. 

Doug Fitzgerald

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Thomas William McAvoy

June 1, 1946 – January 31, 2023

Imperial Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

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