Thomas P. Waldo, age 73, passed away on May 22, 2026, with his family by his side.
Tom was born on March 29, 1953, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Robert and Elaine Waldo. After his family moved to Madison, he attended James Madison Memorial High School, became an Eagle Scout, and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1975.
On a snowy, cold Wisconsin day in 1977, Tom married his love, Dale. Their marriage began with strong Wisconsin roots, but eventually branched south to Orlando, Florida, when Tom accepted a position in Information Technology at Walt Disney World in 1982. Together, Tom and Dale shared more than 49 years of marriage, building a beautiful life and a family that grew to include three children and three grandchildren.
Tom devoted 35 years of his career to Walt Disney World before retiring, leaving behind a record of dedicated work, lasting friendships, and many memories in Orlando and in Hong Kong.
Retirement did not slow Tom’s desire to help others. He continued giving his time and talents through volunteer work with Give Kids the World and the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. With his excellent time management skills and generous spirit, Tom was able to devote countless hours to serving others while still making dedicated time for the people he loved most.
His grandchildren brought out the inner child in him, and he never turned down a chance to swim, go to the park, or make memories with them. It was also a common sight to see Tom walking his dogs, or any dog lucky enough to be under his care. He had a deep love for dogs and rarely turned down the opportunity to be a trusted dog sitter for family and friends. True to his Wisconsin roots, Tom was also an avid fan of Wisconsin sports, especially the Badgers and the Green Bay Packers.
Throughout his life, he was not only a devoted father to his own children, but also a father figure to many others. Exchange students, younger colleagues, and even his children’s adult friends found in Tom a steady presence, a trusted mentor, and a source of wisdom, humor, and guidance. He had a way of making people feel welcomed, supported, and cared for, and many were blessed to know him as a second father.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Dale Waldo; his three children, Andrew (Kerry) Waldo, Laura Waldo, and Emily (Ryan) Lawrence; and his three beloved grandchildren, Rowan Waldo, Leighanne, and Ryleigh Lawrence. He is also survived by his siblings, Daniel (Chris) Waldo, and Susan (Mick) Fabbri; his cousins, John (Janine) Urban, Jim (Teresa) Jossie, Karen (Ed) Arendt, Jayne Flewellen, Caroline (Don) Merk, Bob (Kathy) Likes, Marlene (Mike) Bobiak, and Nancy Stitzel; nieces and nephews, Alison, Kate, Natalie, Scott, Andrea, Sam, Eric, Auden, and Aisha.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Elaine Waldo and cousin Harley Moore.
A service to celebrate Tom’s life will be held on June 23 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32819.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s honor to Give Kids the World Village, 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746.