Obituary Note: Thomas Macaluso

Thomas Macaluso, the owner of Macaluso's Rare and Fine Books, Maps, and Prints in Kennett Square, Pa., and "a lifelong lover of learning and literature," died March 15, the Chester County Press reported. He was 85. A college professor for 37 years, Macaluso and his wife Brenda owned and operated the bookshop for more than 40 years.

"He was the owner of a bookstore when giants like Borders have long since closed up operations and others are struggling to survive," said Gene Pisasale, a local historian and author. "Yet, walking into his store, one immediately gets the sense that he pursued this not for profit so much as for the love of learning and literature.... You could feel his enthusiasm as he spoke about great books and know that he was satisfied being a part of maintaining an important part of our culture--keeping hardcover books alive. He did that well. Tom was a good friend, a kindred spirit and he is dearly missed."

In addition to being a longtime business owner in town, Macaluso was also a board member for nonprofits like Historic Kennett Square and the Kennett Library.

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