Thomas Joseph Gialde, 91, Kansas City, MO, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2012. Visitation will be 2-7 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, at St. Gabriel Archangel Catholic Church, 4737 N. Cleveland, Kansas City, MO 64117. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Tom was born September 28, 1920 to Joseph and Josephine (Romano) Gialde. He was a successful businessman – beginning as a truck driver and becoming a district vice-president of a national food service / vending company. He was a civic leader and advocate of his Italian-American heritage, and in 1966 was co-founder of the American Sons of Columbus. In 1976, he was appointed to the Missouri State Senate. Tom was an avid and accomplished golfer and sportsman, and was a good friend of 80+ years to his special group.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Angeline (Cicero) Gialde, in 2001; his infant son, Thomas J. Gialde, Jr., in 1948; his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Isabelle Cicero; and his brothers, Charlie, Chili, and Stan Gialde.

Tom is survived by his children and their spouses, Dr. Joseph and Mary Gialde, Dr. Steve and Joanne Gialde, Thomas M. and Tracey Gialde, Mary Teresa and Gary Calcara; 11 grandchildren and their spouses; 18 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Salvatore and Rosalie Cicero, Josephine Gialde; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Tommy Joe Gialde, Tommy Mike Gialde, Jay Calcara, Don Miceli, Larry Gialde, and Steve Cicero.

The family offers a special thank you to Dr. John Campobasso for his care and compassion.

Online condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.