He is survived by his children, Rae Ann (Roger) Kaly, Thomas (Ruth) Rooney, Patrick (Annette) Rooney, Mary Frances (Richard) Percy, Ann Marie Rooney; grandchildren, Dominique (Kevin) Skidmore, Michael Kaly, Emily (Curtis Toplin) Rooney, Marie, Olivia & Sean Rooney, Mary Catherine Percy; siblings, Shirley (the late William) Ellis, Linda (Frank) Gilson, Mary Elizabeth Abt; and many nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Allen & Melissa; his loving wife, Barbara; and siblings, Vivian Singleton, Richard (Sandra) Rooney.
After serving honorably in the Korean War and then working for a time at Rochester Radiator for General Motors in New York, Thomas went to Flint Michigan to attend General Motors Institute and earn a bachelor’s degree in engineering. There, he met his future wife Barbara at a friend’s wedding. Barbara and Thomas (“Tim”) were married September 28, 1957, at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Detroit. After spending two years living in New York, Thomas and Barbara moved to Fraser, Michigan - where he would spend the rest of his life.
Thomas spent the majority of his professional career as a computer data processing manager for Difco Laboratories, where he worked until his retirement.
Thomas loved his church and made three pilgrimages to the Holy Land. He visited Jerusalem, the Sea of Galilee, and many holy shrines. Visits to Rome, Egypt, and Greece were part of the side trips.
Thomas was a charitable man, who from his military service years on gave gifts to a Korean orphanage, many other charities, family, neighbors, and many others in need. Thomas also gave of his time, volunteering for meals on wheels, and teaching immigrants to read at the local library.
A visitation for Thomas will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 from 3 to 8pm with a 7pm Rosary at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. An instate will occur Saturday, July 30, 2022 from 10:30 am until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Ronald Catholic Church, 17701 15 Mile Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48035. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or Gleaners Food Bank would honor his wishes and would be appreciated by the family.
