Thomas Henry Reuss, 75, of Toledo, Ohio, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on November 1, 2025. Born to Henry and Anne (Durban) Reuss, Tom grew up attending St. Charles Borromeo Parish, graduated from Macomber Vocational High School in 1968, and worked as a shoe salesman at LaSalle’s Department Store. After earning a master's degree from the University of Toledo (“TU”), Tom dedicated over 35 years to a meaningful career in special education, sharing his expertise as a teacher and administrator at the Lucas County Board of DD and Toledo Public Schools. He also served as the region’s only assistive technology consultant through Northwest Ohio SERRC. He met his wife, Mary Therese (Dedenbach) Reuss of Monroe, MI, at a carnival at Central Catholic High School, where she taught. It was truly love at first sight! Instead of moving to Florida to be closer to her family, MT chose to stay and marry Tom on June 28, 1980. Their 45 years together were filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

In his leisure time, Tom loved riding his bike, canoeing with his buddies, and enjoying a cigar on his riding mower. As a young man, he had adventures hitchhiking across Europe, chauffeuring pals around in his Ford van, and towing his Coleman camper on family road trips. With Tom, every moment was “a party,” thanks to his quick wit and playful humor. Over the years, he earned nicknames like “Captain,” “Zabodoe,” and co-founder of “The Godzilla Movers,” but the title closest to his heart was “Papa” to his beloved granddaughters, Matilda, Gwen, Elsie, and Clara.

Tom is survived by his wife, daughters Dr. Sarah Reuss (Adam Huelskamp) of Columbus and Rachel (Brittany) Glass; brother, Robert Reuss of Newport News, VA; brothers-in-law, Edwin (Rose) Silka Jr. of Findlay, OH, and Gerard (Laura) Dedenbach of Gainesville, FL; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who cherished him. He was preceded in death by his first wife, parents, sister Mary Ann (Reuss) Silka, and sister-in-law Pamela (Thompson) Reuss.

The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Flower Hospital and Kingston Care Center of Sylvania, as well as all the medical professionals who cared for him in recent years. No memorial services are scheduled at this time. In honor of Tom, please consider donating to the Metroparks Toledo Foundation or WGTE Public Media.

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