Thomas E. Mahar
Thomas Eugene Mahar, age 89, of Lake Leelanau passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Medilodge of Traverse City with his loving family by his side.
Thomas was born April 26, 1930 in Hastings, to Michael and Nora (Spencer) Mahar. On October 18, 1952 in Nashville, Mich., he married Patsy Jean (Firestone) Mahar, who preceded him in death on February 14, 2006.
Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Over the years, he often spoke highly of his time at sea; the challenges he experienced, the people he met and all the places he visited while on board the USS Hyman. While in the U.S. Navy, he obtained his initial electronics training where he advanced to become an electrical engineer. He loved spending time with his family, playing cards and playing solitaire on the computer. His hobbies were designing, building, tinkering with and repairing things. He was a long-time member of St. Mary’s Parish of Lake Leelanau where he served as eucharistic minister and lector. Before moving to Lake Leelanau, he was a member of St. Cyril Church in Nashville. Tom served his community as commander of the Little Finger VFW Post 7731 of Lake Leelanau and was also the financial secretary of the Knights of Columbus for many years.
Tom is survived by his six children, Kathryn Lea (Bill) Smith of Farmington Hills, Marilyn Ann (Curtis) Crow of Traverse City, Annette Marie (David) Andres of Traverse City, Patrick Aaron Mahar of Traverse City, Karen Louise (Derek) Botfield of Portage, and Matthew Scott (Ashley) Mahar of Clarksville, Tenn.; a half-brother Joseph Mahar of Alloway, NJ; a half-sister, Magdalen Joppie of Hastings; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bernard and Robert; sister, Martha Stamm; daughter, Barbara Jean; son, Thomas Allen; daughter-in-law, Carol Mahar; grandson, Michael Mahar; and great grandson, Devin Cowan.
A celebration of Tom’s life and graveside service will take place at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, PO Box 340 Lake Leelanau MI 49653. Memorials may also be directed to Hospice of Michigan, 10850 East Traverse Highway, Traverse City MI 49684. Share condolences and memories with Thomas’ family at martinson.info. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.