Thomas E. Zablocki

Thomas E. Zablocki found peace on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at the age of 78. He was born in Milwaukee on February 24, 1940. He grew up on a cattle farm outside of Watertown. After attending West Milwaukee High School, Tom received a scholarship in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University where he was on the drill team. He later obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and his juris doctorate of Law in 1968. He was active in Milwaukee County politics for many years. He was elected to and served as Milwaukee County’s longest serving County Clerk from 1968-1988. While in service to the County, he was the named Appellant in the United States Supreme Court case of Zablocki v. Redhail, 434 U.S. 374 (1978), a case with national implications dealing with the fundamental right to marriage. In 1988, he maintained a private law practice until returning to Milwaukee County as their HIPAA Compliance Officer in the Department on Aging from 2000 until his retirement in 2005. However, retirement never stopped Tom from helping people and giving back. Tom helped numerous Pro Bono clients successfully navigate the legal system. His interests and hobbies were numerous and varied. In addition to having traveled to 102 different countries, he enjoyed reading, traveling, politics, gambling, stamp collecting, handwriting analysis, admiring artwork and most of all, people. He never stopped meeting new people and hearing their stories. His laugh was infectious. Most of all, he loved spending time with family, friends and his loyal dog, Reggie. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Joy (nee Capizzi), sons JT (Rong), Steven (Solange) and stepdaughters Robyn Kuney and Megan (Jacob) Rogers. Adoring grandfather of Addison, Eric, Marek and Savannah. Tom is further survived by his sister Kathy (Jeff) Millard and brother Dennis (Cindi). Preceded in death by his parents and brother Larry. Visitation will be held on Thursday the 19th day of July, 2018 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 6000 W. Loomis Road, Greendale, from 9 AM until the funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment at Arlington Park Cemetery, 4141 S. 27th Street, Greenfield, WI. Tom’s most precious time was spent with his family, grandchildren and friends. He was sometimes controversial, complex and challenging. Through it all, he was a good husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and will be deeply missed. Special thanks to Zilber Hospice for all your special care. In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to Franklin Historical Society, Friends of MADAAC or Green Acres Boxer Rescue. Note: obituary prepared by Bruskiewitz Funeral Home