We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Thomas Joseph Brochu on June 10, 2023.

Tom was born on June 25, 1953 in Mineola, NY to Joseph "Bill" Brochu and Mary Clyne Brochu. He graduated from St. Brigid's Elementary School in Westbury, NY and Holy Trinity High School in Hicksville, NY. He then attended St. John's University where on his very first day, he met the love of his life, Peggy, at a folk music club meeting. It was a love that would last 52 years. Tom and Peggy were married at the St. John's University chapel in 1976.

After one year at St. John's, Tom transferred to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse University where he formalized a lifelong passion for forest ecology and the outdoors. After graduation he began his career as a forester in the woodlands department of Union Camp in Franklin, Virginia. Throughout his long career with Union Camp, he earned his MBA from Duke University and went on to work as a manager in many departments and always treasured his time as a member of the community within Union Camp.

Tom's first love was always his family. He was the proud father to Michael, John, and Caroline. As the son of a NYC firefighter, he was also committed to living a life of service. Within the greater Franklin community, he proudly served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, Boy Scout Leader for Mike and John's Scout Troop 17, and YMCA youth coach for his children's coach pitch teams. He also used his fine acoustic guitar skills and beautiful voice to serve as a lead cantor at St. Jude's Catholic Church each Sunday for many years.

The family relocated to Ohio in 1999 where Tom continued to be an active community member. He and Peggy served as Presidents of USNA Parents' Club while their daughter, Caroline, was attending the US Naval Academy. He served as President of the Cincinnati chapter of the International Paper Quarter Century Society. Based on his interested in foreign affairs and his experience in international business, Tom volunteered with the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, meeting with Congressional officials in Washington DC.

Tom enjoyed an active lifestyle, completing 9 marathons, at times with his children. He loved to travel around the country and internationally with his wife and family. He continued his love of music, playing in coffeehouses and informally with friends from the Queen City Balladeers in Cincinnati.

Tom was the epitome of a lifelong learner. A member of the Society of American Foresters, Tom became an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist. Since 2016 Tom served as a Volunteer Trail Ambassador and Forest Naturalist at the Cincinnati Nature Center where he enjoyed sharing his love of trees and his knowledge of forest ecology. In 2021 he earned a Professional Certificate in Forest Carbon Science, Policy & Management from Michigan State University.

Based on research at his alma mater, SUNY ESF, Tom became very involved in supporting efforts to restore the American chestnut tree which Tom considered one of the great trees in our nation's history. He proudly combined his love of folk music, forestry, and the American chestnut when he wrote and published an original song, "Queen of the Forest."

Tom is survived by his golden girl and wife of 47 years, Margaret (Peggy) Brochu; his children, Michael (Kayla Bakshi), John (Alyshia Russell), and Caroline (Andy Bockus); his brother Bill (Serena), cousin Madeline (Jerry Kane), and a large extended family and circle of friends. He especially loved to be Grandpa to his grandchildren Kate, Alex, Genevieve, Charlotte, Henry, and Jack. He also loved and

walked many miles with his dog Franklin, who was the fourth in a long line of faithful golden retrievers, following Hank, Cobi, and Skipper.

Despite his illness, Tom was an inspiration to family and friends. One of his favorite Bible verses was: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 He was always grateful for the many blessings in his life and said frequently to those he loved that he "began each day joyfully and ended each day thankfully." His family and friends are joyful and thankful to have been blessed to have him in our lives.

Family and friends will be received from 5 PM – 7 PM on Friday, June 16 at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N Riverside Ave, Loveland, OH  45140. Visitation will be from 9 AM to 10 AM on Saturday, June 17 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8815 E. Kemper Rd, Cincinnati, OH  45249, followed by the funeral mass at 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's memory to the following: The Cincinnati Nature Center , SUNY ESF "The American Chestnut Research & Restoration Project" or The American Chestnut Foundation .