Beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Thomas Christopher Gamalski, 87, of Rochester Hills, entered eternal life on March 12, 2021. Thomas was born in Detroit, MI on March 24,1933. Thomas graduated from DeLaSalle H.S.and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Detroit. He was married to Nancy Lee Gencur on June 22, 1957. Tom was a first lieutenant in the United States Army and served in active duty from September 26,1956 to September 25, 1958. He worked for Michigan Bell and then for the family business Commercial Hardware a division of Gamalski Hardware in Detroit, MI. In 1975 he founded Gamalski Building Specialties in Auburn Hills, MI and tirelessly worked there until his retirement in 1999. Gamalski Building Specialties remains a thriving business within the community to this day. Thomas was a true patriarch of his family. A devout Catholic who belonged to and served St. Irenaeus Parish from its inception. Tom lived his faith daily. He was honest and hardworking and demonstrated the true meaning of love and compassion in all that he did for his family, friends, employees and neighbors. Tom was a man of few words but his actions spoke volumes. Love is patient, love is kind, love never ends…Tom lived by these principles daily. He was an avid sports fan. A lifelong supporter of the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings and Lions. Watching sports and discussing the games were his passion. He also enjoyed talk radio, a sense of humor, travel and gardening. Tom had a special bond with each of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. He is now reunited with his beautiful wife of 59 years, Nancy, in Heaven. We were blessed to have him as our father on earth. Rest in peace, Dad. Thomas was proceeded in death by his parents Anna and John Joseph Gamalski as well as his siblings, Evelyn, Richard, John, Gerald, Donald, Joe, Dolores, Florence and Clementine. He is survived by Children; Andrew Christopher Gamalski,(LouAnn Gamalski) Jon Thomas Gamalski (Valerie Gamalski), James Allen Gamalski, Nancy Lee Gamalski and Andrea Lynne Gamalski. Grandchildren; Grant Thomas Gamalski, Kimberly Christine Gamalski, Jason Thomas Gamalski, Lauren Alina Hays, Jacob Alexander Hays, Ayla Anastasia Fish, Great-Grandchildren; Juniper Gamalski and Charlotte Cope. Funeral arrangements will be held for immediate family only at Pixley Memorial Chapel and a funeral mass at St. Irenaeus Church. A Celebration of Tom’s life will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gleaners of Southeastern MI.
