Complete Story
06/12/2018
Obituary for Thomas I. Wisniewski
Funeral Director and Owner of Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Inc.
Thomas I. Wisniewski, age 69 of Toledo, Ohio died June 9, 2018. Eldest son of Irvin and Gertrude Urbanski Wisniewski, one of nine siblings growing up in North Toledo in the Polish Neighborhood known as "Lagrinka" before moving to Cheltenham Rd.
He was a 1966 graduate of St. Francis de Sales and attended the University of Toledo and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, becoming licensed in the State of Ohio as an embalmer and funeral director in 1970 and the State of Michigan in 1971. He began employment with grandfather, Stanley J. Urbanski, at the family funeral home also working as an EMT with Urbanski Ambulance Service owned by his uncle William. In 1984, the combination of the Robert H. Wick and the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Homes opened on Reynolds Rd. In 1986, Tom founded Toledo Limousine Service which operated a diverse fleet from several locations until 2001 when a downsizing and merger took place. The funeral car livery remained in operation. Preceding him in death were his parents Irvin and Gertrude, and siblings Mary Ellen and Christopher.
As a man of faith, Tom's religious affiliations included St. Hedwig and St. Adalbert for over 50 years and Little Flower parish since 1984, maintaining an active role in parish ministries, events, and fundraising, most recently serving on the Pastoral council and regularly attending Men's Bible study. Tom's dedication to serving the community of Toledo was evident through his many organization memberships and awards. A faithful servant to his neighborhood, Tom served on the Lagrange Business and Professional Association as President, founder, board member and officer of the Lagrange Development Corporation, founding member of the Lagrange Polish Festival, and past president of Exchange Club and Rotary Club of Reynolds Corners. Giving of his time to the Boy Scouts of America was also one of Tom's passions as he served as past chairman of Swan Creek District Erie Shores Council, as well as in numerous other roles with Troop/Pack 222 and was the recipient of the Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, and Bronze Pelican Awards. Tom was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council and Assembly, past chairman of his Parish Credit Union, Parish Finance Committee member and part of Men's Club. He was honored as a past recipient of the Harry Levine Service Award and Robert H. Wick Community Service award as an ongoing contributor of time, talent and resources to members and Clergy in the Toledo Jewish Community. In addition, he was recognized by the R.A.C. as Mensch of the Year which signifies a person of outstanding dedication – more thoughtful, more honest, more caring… he cared for people.
His leisure time was spent with grandchildren, membership and events with the Maumee Valley Wheelmen as a lifelong bicyclist, sailing his sloop the "Moonraker" out of NCYC and caring for the lawn and grounds at the family home. He loved a cold beer, a great slice of pizza and listening to Polka music.
Tom will be remembered as a selfless servant of God and his community. No sacrifice was too great and no distance too long to get his kids to a dance competition, hockey or soccer game. His sense of humor, wit and ability to connect with people will be deeply missed.
Surviving are his loving wife, Karen (Kolinski) of almost 38 years; daughters, Dr. Kristy (James Hayes), Nicole (Patrick Pickett), Dana, and son, Alexander; siblings, Tim (Terri) of Kenai, AK, Carol, Ned (Ellen), June (Steve) Obertacz, and Jane, Dr. Phil (Nicole) of Holland, MI; grandchildren, Sophia, Isabella, Charlotte, Landon, Jace, Colin, Violet, and Finn.
The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 in the Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, 2426 North Reynolds Rd. (419-531-4424), where a scripture service will be held at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday in Little Flower Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to the Sisters of St. Francis and St. Francis de Sales High School.
