Thomas Paul Pezely

Salt Lake City—With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our big brother, Tom Pezely.

Thomas Paul Pezely, named for both of his grandfathers, was born in Salt Lake City on June 11, 1947, to Louis and Frances Anastos Pezely, and died June 6, 2022. As a kid, Tom would fish at Liberty Park, sell ice cream from a three-wheel bicycle, and faithfully clean his dad’s bar, The Annex Buffet. He was a proud South High Cub, attended the University of Utah, and like his father and grandfathers, immediately began work as a switchman at the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad.
Tom loved fishing with his friends, especially Mike Daz. Trips to Strawberry, Utah Lake, Montana and Alaska were always planned. Tom took over his dad’s bar in 1974 and became well known in our city. In retirement, he collected shotguns, fishing gear and barbecues, then switched his priorities to helping raise his nine nieces and nephews.

His health in later life declined but he continued to live the best life he could. Cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure; no problem. His love for our family carried him through immensely difficult times and then we carried him to the end. We’ll miss you, Theo T!

Survived by brothers; Mike (Cathie) and Jon (Anna Marie), sister Chris (Wayne), nieces; Nicole (Joe/Ashlyn), Stephanie (Ted), and Jeannie, nephews; Michael (Leija/Gaia & Kian), Matthew (Danielle), Shawn (Shana), Anthony (Anne), Jon Louis and William. Preceded in death by his parents, his Nouna and Thea Mary Bartzos, his devoted and much-loved dogs, and his great friend and neighbor Ted Diamant.

Special shout out to Wiley and Baker for the Old Head Breakfast FB Club, lifelong friends Dan Forster and Mick Skola for always being there, and all the great doctors, nurses, dialysis techs, and dedicated professionals who have helped Tom live his life independently and fearlessly, especially Dr. Arsalan Habib.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place later this summer for family and friends. May his memory be eternal.