"To the family, My sincere sympathies on the loss of your loved one. I hope that the words at Psalm 34:18 and 2 Corinthians 1:3,4 as God promises to comfort and sustain you in your time of sorrow."
In loving memory of
Thomas Joseph Kioski
Thomas Joseph Kioski, 67, passed away on September 16, 2018 after a short, fierce battle with cancer. Tom was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 27, 1951 and moved to Phoenix, Arizona when he was 3 years old. He attended St. Gregory Catholic School, Bourgade Catholic High School, and Arizona State University. Tom worked in television production in the valley for over 40 years and was known as one of the best in the business. He began his career in an ASU work/study program at KAET-TV (Channel 8). After finding his passion in the studio and establishing roots in the industry, he moved on to KPHO-TV (Channel 5) producing favorites like Wallace and Ladmo and Cookin' with Rita. He eventually ended his studio career with KTVW-TV (Channel 33) where he picked up Spanish speaking skills. Throughout all this time, he worked as a freelance television camera operator covering the Suns, Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Coyotes, Roadrunners, and more, which would eventually turn into a full-time career when he left the corporate television world behind.
But Tom's top priority in his life was his children: Karen and Bryan. He taught his kids how to ski, how to drive stick shift, and how to pick the perfect Christmas tree. They enjoyed many trips to top ski destinations, amusement parks, and California beaches. He attended their sporting events and school programs followed by many visits to Mary Coyle's Ice Cream Parlor for a Lavender Blue or a Caramel Cashew sundae. As a single father, he expanded his early cooking talents by making a mean bean burro or grilled ham and cheese with a side of canned vegetables for sufficient nutrition. In his later years, he really enjoyed experimenting with new recipes...especially on his sisters. He perfected spice-rubbed pork butt and anything on the grill. His grandkids would look forward to Papi's famous homemade ice cream in bite sized cones. The Kioski family values traditions and as the fifth of eight children, Tom encouraged activities to bring family together such as board games, jigsaw puzzles, and of course lots of food. Tom was known as the expert sailor at San Diego family reunions and he was never too old to catch a wave on his boogie board. Like many Kioskis, Tom was an avid hiker. He hiked regularly with his sisters and girlfriend. Hiking feats include Phantom Ranch in the Grand Canyon twice, Yosemite High Sierra Camps and most recently the Wave in northern Arizona. Through all these activities, Tom developed a style...plaid shirts and flip flops. Flannel shirts in the winter and cotton shirts the rest of the year.
Tom is survived by Children: Karen Garrity (Tom) and Bryan Kioski (Megan); Grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Brandon, Blake, Abraham, Owen; Siblings: Greg Kioski (Edrie), Kay Kioski, Jane Schroeder (Harold), Nancy Lind, Joann Kioski (David), Clare Kioski, Judy Kioski; Dozens of nieces and nephews; Girlfriend: Donna Chakravarty; Cats: Praline and Pippen. Tom is predeceased by Daughter: Kristina; Grandson: Alexander; and Parents: Arnold and Mary Ellen Kioski. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 5:30 pm at The Original Hamburger Works; 2801 North 15th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tom Kioski Memorial Scholarship at ASU's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more information, please check http://caringbridge.org/visit/tomkioski. Visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.
Tributes
"Please accept my deepest condolences. Tom and I met in the studios of KAET forty four years ago this month. I'd been thinking of him in July, though it had been a while since I'd seen him. He was a friend to all he met. He was a special man, and almost always wore that grin of his to go along with his plaid shirts and blue jeans. I hope to always remember scenes with Tom like running though McCarren to catch a flight home after a game, laughing through exhaustion after a 25-hour-long Jerry Lewis Telethon, and all the joys of TV production, heck, even pledge breaks at 8 early on a Sunday morn. Godspeed."
"I am happy and priviledged to have shared my career in TV news, programming and production with Tom. He was uniquely talented and dedicated, and let nothing stand in the way of getting the job done. God bless all his family and loved ones. Vaya con Dios amigo Tom. Carlos Jurado"
"I only knew Tom through Donna where I heard such lovely attributes about him. I know your loss is great and painful. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the grief process in the days to come. Deb Dicken"
"Our hearts and prayers are with you all. We are so sorry for your indescribable loss. We love you and are here for whatever you need, Karen. Much love! Jobey and Andy Frank"
"Please accept my deepest condolences. I met Tom only once when he was visiting the San Francisco area along with Donna. We had a very pleasant evening. Even though I met him only once, I heard a lot about him and stories of their hikes and travel and his coverage of sporting events. I will remember him like that - a kind man, who was easy to be around. May Tom rest in peace."