 |
 |
 |
Thomas G. Atkinson
(1928 - 1988)
1973 - 1975
Thomas G. Atkinson was born March 9, 1928, in Green Bay to Dr. Henry and Evelyn (Piron) Atkinson. He was a lifelong resident of the city. He attended catholic grade school and Central Catholic High School (later Premontre, then Notre Dame de la Baie Academy). He entered the US Navy during WW II after which he returned to Green Bay, graduated from Green Bay West High School and attended the University of Nevada.
He married Patricia Liebergen, and they had four sons, Thomas, William, Michael, Patrick, and two daughters, Mary Robin and Anne.
He was President of Atkinson Warehousing, and he made two unsuccessful bids for the mayor's office in 1979 and 1987. Before becoming mayor in 1973, he served as alderman/supervisor.
Tom never forgot his military service, where he learned to love flying. He was an active member of the Confederate Air Force, American Air Heritage Program, Experimental Aircraft Association and Warbirds of America. He was also a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Navy Club, National Rifle Association, Eagles Club, and the Moose Lodge.
Left: Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Port Plaza Mall.
During his term as mayor, the redevelopment of downtown Green Bay began to develop with the building of Port Plaza Mall. He was the last Green Bay mayor to serve a two-year term. The office became a four-year term with Michael Monfils who succeeded Atkinson in 1975.
He died on June 10, 1988, after a nearly year-long battle with cancer. He is buried in Fort Howard Cemetery.
Above: Mall construction. The mall opened in 1977.