Thomas David Kraemer

Thomas David Kraemer, 56, of Los Angeles, California, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends. Born on March 13, 1968, in Toledo, OH, to David Kraemer and Linda Neu, Thomas was raised in Madison, WI, where his inquisitive nature and love for learning first took root.

Thomas's academic journey was marked by excellence. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. from the Wharton School of Business. His brilliance extended far beyond the classroom, with a boundless curiosity for politics, business, and history.

A man of great compassion, Thomas dedicated much of his life to philanthropic efforts within the LGBTQ+ community. He served on the board of GLSEN, where he played a pivotal role in organizing the New York and Los Angeles Respect Awards. His generosity extended to numerous charities, including GLSEN, the Los Angeles LGBT Community Center, and other organizations devoted to supporting LGBTQ+ people.

Thomas's passions were as varied as they were vibrant. He found peace in sailing, joy in skiing, and creative fulfillment in architecture and design. His love for travel was marked by spontaneous adventures, much to the amusement (and occasional frustration) of his travel companions. An aficionado of great food and wine, he brought people together, creating cherished memories over countless meals.

He is survived by his father, David, his mother, Linda, his sister Kerin, and his beloved children, Gibson and Seneca. His legacy lives on through the countless friends whose lives he touched.

A celebration of Thomas's life will be held in Los Angeles this fall, with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Los Angeles LGBT Community Center, The Trevor Project, or Project Angel Food.