Thomas Norwood

East Lansing- Thomas Norwood, age 77, born June 22, 1946, passed away on November 10, 2023. Thomas was a lifelong resident of Dearborn, Michigan where he attended Detroit Catholic Central and Cody high schools, graduating in 1964. He was drafted in 1966, marrying high school sweetheart Ilene Mary Schneider, in a rushed ceremony on December 17th of that year, leaving the next morning to proudly serve in Anchorage, Alaska as an ammunition supply specialist in the United States Army. He had a lengthy career in public service within municipal government serving in administrative positions for Taylor School District, cities of Melvindale and Dearborn, including 20 years as Finance Director for the City of Wayne. He was a graduate of Walsh College and Detroit College of Business and was a skilled administrator. He volunteered his knowledge of municipal finance and retirement systems after his retirement. He had a knack for understanding complex systems and the “big picture”, yet he had a propensity to explain “how the watch works when asked what time it was” — an endearing trait. He was a very analytical and thoughtful public servant and cared deeply about the communities he served during his professional life.

Thomas was a devoted and patient husband (married 56 years), father, and grandfather, with an uncompromising and selfless commitment to his family and their needs. His curious talent at the geometry of Christmas gift-wrapping was legendary, as was his complete inability to teach it! His care at this reflected his joy in giving. He spent absolutely no time or money on frivolity or himself, preferring to devote it all to family and his beloved gardening and bicycling with Ilene. He was passionate about so many things ranging from pan-fishing, horror movies, to sports. He coached and/or attended every game and regatta possible for his sons and his beloved, “perfect” grandchildren. He exuded a love of life and simple pleasures, and one really felt his gratitude — that remains his greatest (although unwrapped – it's okay, Dad!) gift to those who knew him.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Mack “Buck” and Helen Magdalena Norwood nee Willis and brother Paul William. He is survived by his wife, Ilene, and brother Gerald Frank; children: Gregory (and wife, Theresa) of East Lansing and Christopher (and wife, Lucia) of Salvador, Brazil; five grandchildren: Ruth, Joel, Thomas, Miles, and Iris.

Thomas Norwood, age 77, of East Lansing, Michigan passed away on Friday, November 10, 2023.

A visitation for Thomas will be held Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave, East Lansing, MI 48823. Following the visitation will be a funeral mass at 12:00 PM at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 955 Alton Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the Norwood family.