Posted by Debbie Ford-Scriba, a resident of another community, on Dec 3, 2012 at 10:29 am

Very sad news. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Posted by stephen levy, a resident of the University South neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 10:36 am
stephen levy is a member (registered user) of Palo Alto Online

What a tragedy. John was a great guy and a friend to education.

Posted by Claude Ezran, a resident of the Leland Manor/Garland Drive neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 10:53 am

This is a heartbreaking tragedy, John was a wonderful person and a great contributor to our community. It is really sad to lose so many outstanding, really unique, community leaders in such a short time: Gary Fazzino, Ellen Fletcher, and now John Tuomy. My sincere condolences to John's family.

Posted by patricia levinson, a resident of Mountain View, on Dec 3, 2012 at 11:18 am

John Tuomy was a great friend of PAUSD children, schools, parents, and teachers. He was open-minded leader with a clear vision and a big heart. His passing is a great loss for PAUSD and the greater Palo Alto community. Heartfelt condolences to his family.

Posted by marilyn cook, a resident of another community, on Dec 3, 2012 at 11:51 am

What a tragedy for the Palo Alto community to lose this energetic and devoted father, friend, and supporter of children and teachers. His larger than life presence will long be remembered.

Posted by Sue Allen, a resident of the Adobe-Meadows neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 11:56 am

Few people have done as much for Palo Alto Schools as John Tuomy, along with his wife, Carolyn. They started in 1980 to 'turn around' Fairmeadow Elementary when it was struggling, and went on from there to do all they could to support the students of Palo Alto. John's good spirit will be missed.

Posted by Cathie Lehrberg, a resident of the Crescent Park neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 1:01 pm

I really enjoyed working with John on various school committees years ago. What a nice man! I'm so sorry for his loss.

Posted by JoAnne Wetzel, a resident of the Palo Verde neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 2:25 pm

What a sad loss to all of us in Palo Alto. He did so much good and made a huge contribution to the PAUSD.

Posted by Roni, a member of the Gunn High School community, on Dec 3, 2012 at 2:29 pm

While I didn't know John, it's very clear to anyone reading this article that he cared about kids in Palo Alto and about this city's future. I do know that he must have been an amazing parent as his Son, Brian, is a joy to work with and to be friend's with.

Posted by Penny, a resident of the Greenmeadow neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 4:36 pm

A good man...and a great loss. He will be missed.

My deepest condolences to his family.

Posted by gunngrad2008, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 4:51 pm

My prayers are with the family. I know his son Brian, who is a great teacher.

Posted by Laura Bowen, a resident of another community, on Dec 3, 2012 at 6:00 pm

I was so sorry to hear the sad news this morning. I was a student of John Tuomy's at Palo Verde in the 1970s. I've always remembered him as a uniquely energetic, creative and positive teacher.

Posted by Carrie Manley, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 6:24 pm

Mr. Tuomy was such a welcome and positive presence at Walter Hays. His love for his children, his grandchildren, and for all the kids in our community, was always a delight to see. Sincere condolences to his very loving family. He touched so many lives here in Palo Alto, and we will always remember him with fondness and great gratitude.

Posted by Erin Tuomy Mershon, a resident of the Leland Manor/Garland Drive neighborhood, on Dec 3, 2012 at 6:37 pm

Thank you all for your kind words and comments. Our family has been overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Palo Alto is such a treasure and I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful community.

Posted by Robin Modlin, a resident of another community, on Dec 3, 2012 at 6:45 pm

Our family is very sad over the loss of John. We lived down the street from the Tuomys for 20 years in Greenmeadow before we moved 3 years ago. John was a wonderful man, a man to respect. We reach out to his family, Carolyn, Erin and Brian and send our love. The Modlins

Posted by Deanna Messinger, a member of the Gunn High School community, on Dec 3, 2012 at 10:51 pm

Clearly, Brian has been influenced by his father's steadfastness and dedication to education of our young people. My condolences go out to you and the family.

Posted by Dispatcher X, a resident of another community, on Dec 5, 2012 at 1:21 am

I took the 911 call on this and have wondered about the outcome. I am so sorry for his loss. My condolences to the family, and especially Carolyn.

Posted by Jan Strand, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Dec 6, 2012 at 12:36 pm

John student taught in my class of 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students during the '72-'73 school year at Barron Park school. It was obvious to me that he was dedicated and caring and that he would go on to be influential in education. I'm so sorry for this tragic loss.