By Austin Killeen

Returning home from Virginia on Monday night, I learned the sad news of the passing of Tom Crego at age 70. I first met Tom in May of 2016 at a press conference for Alex Holguin. In our conversation it was obvious he was very knowledgeable about the sport, with his background reaching back to his days as a teenager living in Philadelphia.  The conversation was enjoyable as we discussed famous boxers from the past as well as the local boxing scene.

This past July I sat down with Tom and wrote a story about his life for my blog killeenskorner https://killeenskorner.com/2018/07/tom-crego-lifes-journey-had-many-pot-holes/. I’ve never interviewed a person who was more open about his personal life, both his successes and failures. No one can correct the mistakes of the past, but Tom Crego showed us how we can shape the future. When I sat down to do that interview, I had no idea how much he would touch me emotionally. I feel blessed to have had him as a friend.

I had little time to contact associates of Tom for their input to this article. Fortunately a few did have the opportunity to reply.

Matthew Griego, undefeated flyweight boxer: Pops.. Man there’s so much good to say I know I can’t cover it all. Pops has to be one of the best men I have ever met. I first met him through Johnny, just being around the gym I would see him and he was always very nice. I really got to know him these past couple of years as Manuel Anaya brought him on board to help out sponsorship wise. But mine and Pops relationship grew way beyond that. Pops was a unique kind of human. He had a great way of making you feel loved. I would talk to Pops very often. We had a great connection off the bat. Pops believed in me like no other. In his heart he seen something special in me and he would let it be known. Pops would send me random texts like “Just keep training Matt” at this time I was having a hard time getting fights. He was pushing me to keep working hard. I can come to him about anything and he would always know what to say. One of his most repeated sayings was “Matt take it one day at a time.” That I will never forget. We would go eat lunch often at Casa De Benavidez, one of his favorites. One thing about Pops is if you knew him he always made sure you were taken care of. No matter what the situation was, he would help. Another great thing about him is he can keep a secret. You can tell him anything and know that it wasn’t going beyond the room. There is so much more I can say about this man but it can take up a whole book..Like I said in the beginning Pops was a very special person.. I love you Pops, you will be missed very much..

Ray Lopez, boxing trainer: Pop’s Tom Crego.

It’s hard to put into words talking about Pop’s a man who was unselfish, I met Pops back in 2002 and we hit it off and became best friends later in life. This man taught me so many things about being a man in providing for my family. Boxing was our main topic, that’s exactly where we met in the boxing gym. Pops managed my nephew David Martinez through his career after David’s retirement. Pops and I always stayed in contact; we would have lunch once a week and just talk about our families. We spend so many years together;  went to so many boxing events with all of our families and friends and just had a blast. At every venue they would always talk about Pop’s Tom Crego.  Throughout his life he supported many of New Mexico’s fighters and never asked for anything in return. That was his passion, besides his wife, kids and grandkids. Tom was a father figure to me when my father passed away in 2007. Pops was there for me, he would always call me son. We had a small circle of friends: Tom, myself,  Jr. Fabiano and our wives.  Between us we worked hard with our youth, keeping them in the boxing gym and away from the streets and drugs. That was our main goal.  Pops was a mentor to many fighters especially his son Johnny Tapia who he adored with his life. After Johnny’s passing Pops continued to work with many local fighters, like Matthew “Diamond Boy” Griego, Fidel Maldonado Jr. and Josh “Pitbull” Torres  just to name a few. Pops continued to support a number of promoters as a sponsor for their fights. It is so tough for me right now to lose a man that I loved very much. Pops,  you are going to be missed and not just me, but so many people that you have come in contact with and changed their lives. To his wife Coleen, thank you for allowing your husband to become a big part of our lives as he was in yours.   Pops, you were just not a champion inside of the ring,  but you were the greatest champion outside of the ring by inspiring us to do better for ourselves and to achieve our goals. Without you in our lives many of us may have taken the wrong turn, but with you in our lives we all made a positive choice to stay in the  ring. I’m not just talking about a boxing ring, I’m talking about a ring that supports so many young kids and adults from addiction. I will continue to move forward with what you started, helping as many people as I can. I love you so much my Pops, my dad. I will miss you so much. Go fly with the angels and may you rest in peace with the 173rd airborne brigade.

Manny Anaya, boxing trainer: Tom Crego was a very giving man… I met Tom when I was training Frankie Archuleta for the third fight against Johnny Tapia that never happened! Where I really got to know Pops was through Ray Lopez when I was training Hollewood and Yourdon Hernandez Perez at the JSC memorial boxing gym…After I met Pops our relationship took off and we became very close friends. When Hollewood fought Tony Valdez the second time, I wanted to quit training because of the injuries that Hollewood suffered in the fight.  Ray Lopez called me and said Pops wants to talk to you.. Pops called me and we talked about the fight. He made me feel like I was the best trainer in the world. He asked me not to quit, he said it wasn’t my fault what had happen to Hollewood.  If he never called me I probably wouldn’t be training anybody because I was blaming myself for everything that happened that night. The guys and I would try to meet Pops at least once or twice a month to have lunch with him at his favorite spot Casa de Benavidez. We would try to get there before him so we could tell the waitress that we were paying because he never let anyone treat him so we would pay before he got there…When I would talk to him on the phone before we got off he would always tell me, Manuel remember!  One day at a time brother…Tom “Pops” Crego we love you and you will truly be missed and never forgotten.  RIP

Keith Crego: Tom Crego’s son

Thomas Crego Sr. “Pops”

Loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend went home to be with our Lord and Savior Sunday, January 13, 2019 at the age of 70. He was born in Chester, Pennsylvania to John and Sarah Crego.

Thomas graduated from St. James High School for Boys in Chester, PA. Thomas served with honor in the United States Army from 1967 to 1968 as Medic – 173rd Airborne. Thomas was proud owner of his own business, Crego Roofing and Metal for 37 years.

Thomas adored his family and loved spending time with them. He was an avid boxing fan and supporter he also enjoyed fishing.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Sarah and John Crego; son, Thomas R. Crego Jr.; and brother, John R. Crego.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Colleen Crego; son, Keith (Anita) Crego; step-son’s, Michael (Brenda) Gregg, Randy (Heather) Gregg; seven grandchildren, Taylar, Keith Jr., Connor, Chloe, Stephen, Brian, and Cameron; eight great-grandchildren, Christopher, Ryan, Emma, Chris, Mack, Marc, Cash, and Allan; and numerous relatives and friends.

A Visitation will take place Thursday, January 17, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Daniels Family Funeral Services – Southern Chapel, 2400 Southern Blvd SE, Rio Rancho, NM.

A Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 18, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd., Rio Rancho, NM. Interment will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, Rio Rancho, NM.

Thomas will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.