I worked with Tom in the late 80’s at GM Ypsilanti Plant. We were friends. We dated briefly. We kept in contact after I left Michigan across moves to 2 states, for years, but eventually lost touch. He was good to me, loving, kind, and made me laugh frequently. He was so funny and kept things in perspective. Something made me Google him a few weeks ago. I’m sad to find this. Sad to see he didn’t have children apparently. He would have been a good father I think. Till we meet again TT.

Posted by Anonymous on February 17, 2026

I write on behalf of myself and many of Tom’s Kalamazoo friends. We’ve not seen him much over the last couple of decades, but that does not diminish what we know about him. Tom was a loyal friend. He was very intelligent, although he was reluctant to admit that. He was so much fun to be around. He had a great sense of humor and he did not tolerate BS - he always called things the way they were. His goodness resonated with many generations. I’m Tom’s age and my late parents always loved him as a truly good person. He knew my siblings and nephew. They thought the same of him. That means much to me. I must mention two additional things. The loss of Tom has been very difficult for his friends, because we all cared so much about him and cannot imagine him being gone. One can only hope that others will feel that way about them when they pass. But it is important to remember that Tom worked so hard to be one of the most physically imposing people in our individual and collective memories. He bigger and stronger than anyone else. That is worth mentioning because it was so important to Tom. He achieved that goal. His friends consider him to have been a “monster,” a term I use in the most respectful and flattering sense. He achieved that goal. We love Tom and his memory. He is irreplaceable. We hope that his family knows the way we feel.

Posted by Scott Graham on November 8, 2025