Contributions to the tribute of Thomas R. Riethof

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Jayne posted a condolence

Thursday, September 23, 2021

I will miss my friend Thomas every day. I appreciated so many things about him - not just his intellect and his morality and his diverse interests and his contribution to every community to which he belonged - but his strange and wonderful humor and the juxtaposition of punster and enthusiast of the literal. I am grateful for every interesting conversation, disagreement, laugh, debate, silly giggle, phone call... no one can ever take his place... and I will miss him every day.

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Mike Kiley-Zufelt lit a candle

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

I had the good fortune to have my office just a few feet away from where Tom gave at least eight hours of his time once, and sometimes twice, a week for more years than I can remember as a dispatcher and coordinator of disaster calls for the Red Cross regional headquarters in Philadelphia. Tom was not only a very experienced responder and dispatcher who others looked to for guidance and mentoring, but also a kind, empathetic soul who personified the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross. Anyone who came into contact with Tom, even those who had suffered a fire or other disaster and may have been having the worst day of their lives, was richer for the experience. And if you had the opportunity to spend significant periods of time with Tom, you could not help but grow intellectually, emotionally, and personally as a result of being in Tom's presence. For all of his amazing skills and vast knowledge, it is Tom's calm, quiet empathy that I will miss the most. His desire to help his fellow human beings was unparalleled as was his ability to do so with unwavering kindness. Thank you Tom for all you taught me and for all you gave to everyone around you. May you rest in peace and may your loved ones be at ease during this difficult time.

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Debbie Tevlin posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

I served with Tom on our MontCo American Red Cross Disaster Workforce team. He was one of the first Responders with whom I assisted fire clients. Tom was always a positive note in any meeting with a productive operational reference and a kind word for his teammates. He remained currently trained and well-versed in our service delivery methods. As one of our more experienced and literally senior teammates, he was a role model for volunteerism, remaining physically active in serving our Southeastern PA team as shelter staff, team leadership, amateur radio, and in the vital role of regional dispatcher, managing responses for 5 counties up until 2020. I enjoyed Tom's personal historical and cultural stories. I am better for having known him.

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AJ3DI posted a condolence

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

CQC you will be missed. Thank you for keeping the engineering/inquisitive spirit alive in Amateur Radio. Watch over us. 73 AJ3DI

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Janice Winston lit a candle

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Thank you Tom for 42 years of volunteering with the American Red Cross. I had the honor of working with Tom for many years while coordinating disaster responses and most recently this year as a member of our team of Liaisons and Ham Radio Operators. Tom’s wisdom, knowledge and care for others will stay with us as a tribute to a humanitarian who made a difference and touched the lives of many people around the world! 73 my friend, Janice Winston KC3ORH

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The family of Thomas R. Riethof uploaded a photo

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Thomas R. Riethof

1927 - 2021

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