Thomas J. Prior Jr.
Thomas Joseph Prior Jr., 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9th, 2025 surrounded by family. A Philadelphia native, Tom was the son of Thomas Sr. and Rita Boyle Prior. Born on March 16th, 1941, Tom grew up alongside his sisters, Theresa and Celine, and his brother, Ned. Tom spent his early years in West Philadelphia and loved to tell stories about playing basketball on the neighborhood courts (including with a young Wilt Chamberlain) and getting into all kinds of mischief with his army of cousins.
Tom was a loving and devoted husband and father. He adored his wife Jackie and, to the end, often referred to her as his bride. He was exceedingly proud of his four grandchildren and found incredible joy in spending time with them, chatting with them on the phone, and hearing about their lives. He was an ardent Eagles fan, loved reading Homer and Virgil, and rocked out to the Kingston Trio and the Beach Boys. While he had a number of additional favorite pastimes, none held a candle to taking his dog Rosie for long walks.
Tom’s faith was deeply important to him, and he prided himself on living according to the Jesuit ethos of being a “man for others.” He never missed a chance to brighten someone’s day with a kind word, visit an infirmed friend, or offer assistance when needed. He touched many people’s lives and was loved by all who knew him. We were blessed by his presence and take solace in knowing that he is now with God and is at peace.
Tom is survived by his wife Jacqueline Sexton Prior, his children David Prior (Karen) and Jennifer Prior Schlegel (Mark), and his brother Edward (Ned) Prior (Betty Anne). Tom will also be missed by his four grandchildren, Cooper Schlegel, Jack Schlegel, William Schlegel, and Katie Prior. And of course, he will be missed by his dog Rosie.
Tom’s family is extremely grateful to the loving and dedicated staff at the Mansion at Rosemont and at Rosewood Gardens, the two communities that cared for Tom as he battled Parkinson’s.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Katherine’s 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne, PA 19087. on Saturday, March 15th. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with Tom’s family from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM and then to join in his celebration of life at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Conshohocken. https://www.stkatharineofsiena.org/
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Saint Joe’s Prep – 1733 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, or https://www.sjprep.org/support-the-prep. Tom helped found a scholarship at the Prep called “Men for Others.” He also co-founded the Class of 1958 Endowed Scholarship Fund. Please follow this link and list either fund in the “notes” box to contribute.
I will miss Tommy terribly. He was such fun & loved talking
About St. joe’s Prep. Many a laugh we had. Love to you always Tommy
Regina
Tom, as was said, was a good and kind man. He was a man of grace, lightening our lives with a generous smile and a peaceful disposition. He did love the Prep and was honored by the school accordingly. He was also a handsome, dapper dresser. The picture you chose to show captures him well. I’ve know Tom since he married my college friend and maid of honor Jackie. We didn’t live in the same state but made it a point to stay in touch over the years, through the births of our children, and various job & location changes. I’m aware of Tom’s deep faith and I’m sure he is resting peacefully with his God. I miss his physical presence on earth but know his spirit lives and will continue to grace all of us in his way forever.
Tom was one of the kindest and warmest men I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He had a dry wit and humor and was beloved by his classmates at The Prep. I was lucky enough to work closely with Tom to help plan various class events and was proud to present him with the distinguished Golden Hawk Award which honored him for his lifelong love and dedication of The Prep and Jesuit education. He will be dearly missed by many, but I feel blessed to have had him in my life. May he rest in peace!
If ever there was a man for others, his name was Tom Prior. How he loved and was loved! How Jackie, Jenny, and all the family must miss him! He lives forever with all of us in countless great memories . . .
My experiences with Tom were his natural way of being a kind and generous person.
I remember taking my wife to a Prep anniversary Celebration where she knew no one and was exhausted at the end of the evening.
Tom drove us to a far away hotel at the Philadelphia airport and made Nancy feel so comfortable with the long ride.
Tom was a blessing to all of us.