Thomas James Gawrych

Mr. Thomas James Gawrych, faithful and loving husband of Carol Ann (Woods) Gawrych passed away on January 28, 2016 after a brief illness. He was surrounded with love by his family at the time of his passing. Tom was a veteran of the Korean War and a longtime member of both the D.A.V. and V.F.W. He was retired from Bay City Chevrolet after 32 years. He was a devoted father who coached little league and was always on the sidelines for every achievement, big and small, for his children and grandchildren. Tom loved ice fishing and hunting with his boys at his house up north.
Left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Carol; his children, Stephanie Peters, Teresa (Alan) Martin, Cynthia (Dennis) Engel and Thomas (Kathy) Gawrych. Thomas also leaves his beloved grandchildren, Heather (Bradley) Glenn, Megan Peters, Ryan Engel, Christopher Martin, Alyssa Martin, Brandon Martin, Emily Gawrych, Grace Gawrych and Andrew Gawrych. Tom is survived by his loving siblings, Barbara (Grant) Crane, Richard Gawrych and Charlotte (Edward) Stanulis. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas A. Gawrych; his mother, Helen (Swincicki) Gawrych; stepmother, Charlotte Gawrych; and young grandson, Spencer Thomas Engel.
Tom will forever be remembered for his absolute love of family, his sense of humor, and strong work ethic. He will never leave our hearts or memories.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Helping Hands for their support and respect during our time of need.
The Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2016 at Our Lady of Peace Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church. The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. George J. Serour. The Rite of Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery followed by Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Bay County Veterans Council. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Sunday from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Parish Vigil Service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. Mr. Gawrych will lie instate at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to Wounded Warrior Project. www.gephartfuneralhome.com