Obituary of Thomas Allen Gonyea
Thomas Allen Gonyea was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on December 11, 1938. He was the son of Earl Joseph Gonyea and Clistie (Richard) Gonyea. He graduated from Airport High School with the Class of 1956. Tom then enlisted in the United States Marine Corp serving his country honorably from September of 1956 until September of 1958. He obtained the rank of Corporal.
Tom was married to the love of his life the former, Joanne Barbara Idukas, by Father Anthony Kerry on September 27, 1958 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. The couple shared in the birth of eight children. Tom was a hard worker and quite skilled with his hands. He provided for his family working in manufacturing for many years as a Tool and Die Maker. Most notably he had been employed by the Dana Corporation and General Motors retiring in 2006. Upon his retirement he rewarded himself with a brand new supped up, 2006 black Chevrolet Corvette.
Tom stayed active for many years playing golf and bowling, playing in many work leagues. He also loved to watch golf and boxing. Many days were spent in his back yard turned driving range working on his swing. A natural gear head, Sunday mornings were often spent in front of the television tuned into the most recent episode of Motoweek.
Tom kept his mind sharp challenging himself to crossword puzzles and with reading. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father, having created nicknames for all of the children in his life. Even as his health declined the sheer presence of his grandchildren could bring a smile to his face. Tom also had a sweet tooth and was well-known for his love for dessert, and at times his unwillingness to share! A meal was never complete without ice cream!
Thomas Allen “Tom” Gonyea, age 84 of South Rockwood passed away peacefully under hospice care at his son’s home on Monday; March 27, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents; a son: Mark Gonyea on March 10, 2010; four brothers: Charles, Eugene "Bill", Earl, and David; two sisters: Jackie Segur and Margaret Gonyea; and his beloved spouse of more than sixty-three years: Joanne Gonyea on August 18, 2022.
To cherish his memory he leaves seven children: Timothy (Beth) Gonyea of Monroe, Talmadge Gonyea of South Rockwood, Tony Gonyea of Monroe, Marci (Michael) Ibbetson of Milan, Michael (Mesada) Gonyea of Monroe, Robert (Audrey) Gonyea of South Rockwood, and Julianne (Jason) Bomia of Lowell, Michigan; a sister: Barb (Henry) Breitenbach of Newport; a brother: Ed (Mary) Gonyea of Houghton Lake; a brother-in-law: Edward (Gloria) Idukas of Monroe; twenty grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; and one great grandchild due in June of 2023.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; March 30, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Mass of the Resurrection beginning at 11:00am on Friday; March 31, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church; 8109 Swan Creek Road in Newport. Father Henry Rebello pastor of the church will officiate. Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery for burial.
Memorials for those who desire are suggested to St. Charles Borromeo Parish or Companions of Christ the Lamb in Paradise, Michigan. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.