Thomas Joseph Wynne

Thomas Joseph Wynne Jr. of West Chester, PA & Bonita Springs, FL passed away on November 4, 2023. Tom was born in Chester, PA to Thomas Joseph and Janet (Wisowaty) Wynne on March 22, 1940.

Tom grew up in Milmont Park, PA. He attended Our Lady of Peace Grade School and St. James Catholic High School for Boys. An outstanding athlete in Delco, earning 1st Team All State as a Tight End his senior year, he also excelled in baseball as a pitcher and first baseman and as a 6’5” forward in basketball. With rigorous pursuant to play football at the next level, he ultimately chose St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia as a two-sport athlete in baseball and basketball. In 1961, as the celebrated “sixth man”, Tom led the Hawks to their historic first NCAA Final Four Appearance. He led St. Joe’s in scoring two of three seasons with 19.5 and 18.4 points per game in 61-62 and 62-63. His junior year he led the team in rebounding pulling down 10 boards a game. He was drafted by the New York Knickerbockers but instead chose the path of service and played basketball for the Fort Dix Burrows. In 1964, he played on the AAU National Title Team representing Goodyear in Akron, Ohio.

Tom was one of five players from Our Lady of Peace who would go on to earn a college scholarship. He played at St. Joe’s for former St. James Coach, Jack Ramsay, who would become one of the NBA’s winningest coaches. They were lifelong friends. Tom was inducted into the BIG 5 Hall of Fame, St. Joseph’s Hall of Fame for Baseball and Basketball, and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, Delaware County Chapter. He served on the St. Joe’s Board of Trustees and the Hall of Fame room in the Ramsay Center bears his name. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from St. Joseph’s.

Tom served Delco sports fans by opening the Sports Center on MacDade Boulevard in 1973, offering Flyers and Eagles tickets, school jackets, the ever-popular canvas Converse all-star sneakers, and team apparel.

Tom also served on the Ridley Township School Board (1975-76) and in 1976, ran for the Pennsylvania State House as a Republican. He valued the principles of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and encouraged his grandchildren to read him verses. He was humbled by the beauty and freedom of America.

In 1977, Tom and his family relocated from Delaware County to Chicago to begin his career in management for MCI, eventually taking a promotion that moved him to Denver as the President of the West Division. His vision to move the company into the public spotlight resulted in the sponsorship of a PGA event in Hilton Head, SC, the MCI Heritage Classic.

In 1991, Tom became President and Chief Operating Officer of LiTel Communications. He led the company, struggling and on the verge of bankruptcy, to International status and eventually to earn billions in annual revenue, all while creating hundreds of new jobs for the Columbus community. Tom enjoyed all of the benefits of being President, especially with the sponsorship of the LCI Indy Car and Driver, Andre Ribeiro.

Tom retired in 1998 at the age of 58, splitting his time between Florida and Pennsylvania.

Tom relished every golf course invitation and opportunity to play in a Pro-Am. From acres of land in Ripley, WV, he built a golf course and residential development. He traveled to Ireland and Scotland in pursuit of great golf experiences. In 1992, he had the opportunity to travel home from England with the victorious U.S. Ryder Cup team on the Concorde. He cherished his life on the 3rd hole of the Applebrook Golf Course, the clubhouse amenities (including his effervescent effort to build a cigar room, which found great success), and the amazing friends with whom he shared his stories of personal greatness.

Tom was a life-long Philadelphia Sport Fan and found great enjoyment in Phillies and Eagles games. The family is grateful to the Philadelphia Phillies for their 2023 playoff run, adding 13 games to the 162-game season. Tom enjoyed the verbal play-by-play and great Philly wins.

There are many lifelong friends from all chapters of life that Tom loved and valued. From Grade School Basketball Courts, to “Jimmie” Playing Fields, and most importantly, Hawk Hill. He was the ultimate salesman and believed that if you bought in and committed to being successful, you shared in the winning.

Tom lived a remarkable and full life beginning with the support of his parents, specifically his mother, Janet, who loved him dearly and went to every game. His Roman Catholic Faith, his Catholic Education, the love for and of his wonderful family and friends, and his never-ending desire for success rounded out a magnificent, fulfilling and complete life.

Tom is survived by his wife of 44 years, Signe L. Wynne; his 3 children, Francine (Randy) Maris, Kristine (Jerry) Shaver, Thomas J. Wynne III, and their mother, Barbara MacDonald Wynne; Grandchildren Andrew Maris, Grant (Clare) Maris, Blaise (Kayla) Maris, Alex Thome, Michael Shaver, and Kelley Shaver.

All are invited to his visitation 9:00-10:30 AM Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at Our Lady of Peace Church, 208 Milmont Ave, Folsom, PA, followed by his funeral mass at 10:30 AM. Reception to follow.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name can be made to “Notre Dame de Lourdes School” of Our Lady of Peace Parish 990 Fairview Road Swarthmore, PA 19081. Please make checks out to "Notre Dame de Lourdes School" and reference Thomas Wynne in the memo line. Funds will be used in part to support opportunities through CYO for athletes in need.