Thomas Valeski

Longtime Boulder resident Thomas ("Tom") Edward Valeski passed away on March 9th, 2025. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1945 to Ed and Emily and grew up in Tucson, Arizona with his younger brothers, Terry and Jon. He leaves behind sons Jud and Ash, grandchildren Logan, Annie, William and Sarah, and wife Julia.

Tom will be remembered for his sharpness of mind and wit, his passions for cars, crossword puzzles, food, fishing, and clamming, his easiness at the piano, his steady presence in the community, and his dedication to his children and grandchildren.

His involvement in education was far-reaching. He was a teacher and high school administrator in Arizona, and received a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Arizona and Master's in Business from the University of Colorado. In his later years, he was a beloved driving instructor for local teens and immigrants.

Outside of education, Tom was a sharpshooter in the Marine Corps, and worked on a government project in Salt Lake City and for social services in Boulder. He loved being near water, whether it be teaching his children and grandchildren to fish at Sawhill Ponds, or going on fishing and clamming excursions while vacationing on the East Coast. But Tom was perhaps most at home around a Volkswagen. It was among Beetles and his Karmann Ghia where he loved to tinker and share his many wonderful stories.

More memories of Tom will be shared and celebrated in Boulder on June 22nd, 2025. Please email tevmemorial25@gmail.com to learn more.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boulder Public Library in Tom’s name.