Jerome Raymond Tuohy

Jerome R. Tuohy was born December 24, 1918 in Detroit, Michigan to Austin and Mary Tuohy. Jerry died on July 12, 2017 at the age of 98. He graduated in 1937 from Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit. After working for Detroit Edison, Jerome joined the Army Air Corps and was a cadet at Mount Union College, in Alliance, Ohio. A veteran of the Fifth Air Force, he served his country as a Lieutenant and as a pilot in New Guinea, the Philippines, Okinawa and during the occupation of Japan. Upon leaving active duty, Jerome formed a company to ferry the final several dozen Stinson airplanes from Wayne, Michigan to a buyer in Southern California. He spent the rest of his working life in the aviation industry, as a corporate pilot for the Ford Motor Company for 25 years, and with the Michigan Air National Guard at Selfridge Air Force Base, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. After his 24 years in the National Guard, Jerome enjoyed memories of being assigned to fly Governor G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams. Later in his aviation career, Jerry flew for United Brands and then to many remote overseas locations for Transworld Oil, a job he considered the most challenging and rewarding in his aviation career. He was a member of the Detroit Hanger of the Quiet Birdmen for over 30 years. Jerry enjoyed tennis, snow skiing, water skiing and photography.

While a cadet, Jerome married Rita A. Blanchette at St. Joseph’s Church in Alliance, Ohio on May 15, 1943. They were married for 66 years. Rita died on July 20, 2009. The couple was together at Jerome's state-side base in Waco, Texas, where their first son Gary was born. Gary (Sue) Tuohy of Alpena survives. Jerome and Rita's second son, Tim Tuohy passed away on September 22, 2007 and is survived by his widow, Sherie Tuohy. A daughter, Pamela Neal (Jim) of East Lansing survives. Jerome is also survived by his six grandchildren: Matt Kindt, Kristin Morgan, Kristine Neal, Katie De Marais, Kelly Mallon, and Thomas Neal, and his twelve great grandchildren.

A Mass of the Christian burial will be held Saturday, July 22, 2017, at St. John Church, 327 MAC Avenue, East Lansing, MI 48823. Visitation will be at the church at 9:30 AM, followed by the funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. The Rite of Committal will follow the Mass at Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice, or to the Lansing Catholic High School Scholarship Fund, Lansing Catholic High School, 501 Marshall Street, Lansing, Michigan 48912.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.