Tom Billeter passed away on April 5 2021, two weeks after being diagnosed with lymphoma. He was 81 years young.
Tom was born in Valentine, the second son to Marianne and Virgil Billeter. Tom was an outstanding athlete at Valentine High School. His senior year he quarterbacked an undefeated team, was high point man in basketball, scoring a record setting 40 points in one game and went to the state meet in the low hurdles. Tom was nominated for the Nebraska State Athlete of the Year in 1958. Tom attended Wayne State College on a football scholarship. He was twice named to the All-Conference team as an offensive guard. He also played on the Wayne State Conference championship baseball team.
In 1962, Tom began his teaching and coaching career in Barstow, CA. He taught Business Education, coached JV football, and was the head varsity baseball coach.
In 1964, Tom met the love of his life, Dee, when she arrived to teach at the same school. In 1966, Tom finished his MA at Arizona State. Later that summer, Tom and Dee were married, moved to Concord, and both began teaching in the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Tom taught and coached baseball and football at Pacifica High School for seven years. In 1973, Tom moved to College Park High where he continued to coach football, including eight years as head varsity coach.
In 1971, Tom and Dee were blessed with the arrival of daughter Bridget followed by son J.T. in 1972. Tom was overjoyed to become a grandfather when Bridget and husband Jeff had grandsons Patrick and Dylan. When Dee retired in 2003, Tom began what he called “living the dream.” A highlight was the family trip to Costa Rica for his and Dee’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Tom was thrilled when son J.T. married Dana and after many months of bureaucratic hassles Dana and daughters, Mara and Ruma, moved to Concord from the UK this past January. Tom was looking forward to having granddaughters and making more happy memories with them.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, brother Bud, and mother and father in-law, George and Dorothy Rost.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dee, his children, Bridget and husband Jeff Gillespie, son J.T. and wife Dana Pierre, grandchildren Patrick and Dylan Gillespie and Mara and Ruma Pierre; sisters-in-law Mary Helen Ellet, Elizabeth Rosenberg, Betsy Rost, and Phyllis Billeter; brothers-in-law Rick Rost, Steve Rosenberg, and Chuck Ellet and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
