Thomas A. Busalacchi Sr., age 82, of St. Louis, MO, was called home by his Lord and Savior at 4:40 AM on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. He lost his 15-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease surrounded by the love of his family in the memory care unit at Delmar Gardens of Meramec Valley. A cherished and devoted husband, he was married to his soulmate Gerlinde (Linda) for 48 happily incompatible years. He was a loving and dedicated father to his five children, the “bestest” son-in-law to his late father and mother-in-law (Georg and Rosa Tisch) and a dear friend, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin. Grandpa/Papa was adored by his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Agatha (Ida); his brother Frank; and sons Tom Jr. and Michael. He is survived by his wife Linda; his children Bob (Mercy), Mark and Natalie (Bill) Brown; his grandchildren Nancy (Sean), Kristal, Joshua, Christopher (Aleesha), Lillian, Kyra, Silas and Lydia; and great-grandchildren Scarlett and Grayson.
He was a lifelong resident of St. Louis. In his childhood and teenage years, he worked at his parent’s produce stand at Union Market. After graduating from Roosevelt High School, he worked in sales and served in the Air National Guard. He spent most of his career as a district manager at Commonwealth Life Insurance Company and later, as a self-employed insurance broker.
Active, happy and fun-loving, he enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball, playing cards, eating sweets (especially gelato), travelling and family vacations, speeding on the Autobahn in Germany, playing golf, dancing, telling jokes, pulling pranks, going to Gold’s Gym, watching movies and drinking an occasional Bailey’s or margarita in an extra tall glass. He most importantly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
Visitation will be from 12-2 PM, followed by a memorial service/celebration of life at 2 PM on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Kutis Funeral Home, 10151 Gravois Road in Affton. He was laid to rest at a private ceremony at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Revelation 21:4 “One day, I will wipe away every tear and take away your pain.”
We are comforted knowing he is now whole and in the Lord’s hands.