Thomas John Fricke

Northern Kentucky lost one of its dearest and most cherished friends on October 27, 2015. Thomas John Fricke went to his heavenly reward, joining his parents, Chris and Elizabeth, brothers Bob, Bill (Novie), Jim (Jean) and sisters Rosemary Redmond (Jerry) and Judy Reinersman (John). Tom is survived by his brothers Ron (Val) and Jerry (Norma), sisters Betty Schuler (Dick) and Joyce Gray (Tom), as well as 31 nieces and nephews, 45 great nieces and nephews and 17 great-great nieces and nephews. He will be missed terribly by all of these survivors, as well as hundreds of dear friends, all of whom regarded his company as a precious gift, as he did theirs. Blinded in an accident at the age of 17, this tragedy gave him a perspective which led to a life dedicated to the service of others. Despite the challenges, Tom went on to graduate from Holy Cross High School, earn an undergraduate degree from Thomas More College, master's degrees from Xavier University and the University of Cincinnati and continued on to doctoral studies at University of San Francisco and University of Cincinnati. He was a tireless advocate for those with disabilities, serving in both professional and volunteer capacities in many organizations. Among these were director of home care services at Riverside Good Counsel School, special education instructor at Northern Kentucky University, counselor for children with special needs at Camp Marydale, the Inclusion Network of Cincinnati and Covington School Board member. After passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Tom founded a company, Comprehensive Education Services, which assisted school districts and other agencies throughout the Commonwealth in becoming accessible to all and compliant with the new law. In addition to these professional pursuits, Tom volunteered his talents as a board member at Civitan, Citizens Advocacy and the Behringer Crawford Museum. In recognition of early efforts, Tom was named a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor Julian Carroll. His more recent pursuits included enlightening a new generation as part of the Everbody Counts program and visiting primary school classrooms to talk about the challenges and rewarding aspects of being blind. In short, his efforts have benefitted and touched the lives of countless people in Northern Kentucky and beyond. Not only was he a successful advocate for those with disabilities, but he showed their families and others that a disability did not prevent people from living full, productive lives as valuable members of society.Instantly and forever likeable, Tom's long list of friends is a veritable "who's who" of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Many of these people were by his side during his long battle with prostate, liver and bone cancer. His graciousness extended to the end, without a word of complaint, always thanking his caregivers and friends. He will forever be remembered by these friends, and his large family, as someone who lived life to the fullest with humor, class and an incredibly giving spirit. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Tom's life on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at St. Agnes Church, Ft. Wright, beginning with a visitation at 10:00 am, followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:30 am. A reception will follow in the church undercroft. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to New Perceptions, 1 Sperti Drive, Edgewood, Kentucky 41017. MIDDENDORF FUNERAL HOME, FT. WRIGHT, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.middendorf-funeralhome.com.