Thomas R. Paholski

Thomas R. Paholski Aug. 2, 1952 - Aug. 26, 2014 SOUTH BEND - Thomas R. Paholski, 62, of South Bend, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2014, in his home surrounded by his wife and two daughters. He was born on August 2, 1952, in South Bend, to Robert and Geraldine (Graczyk) Paholski.

On August 15, 1981, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, he married Kim Young, who survives. Tom is also survived by his daughters, Rachel Paholski (Carlos Delgado) of South Bend and Lindsey Paholski of Indianapolis; his mother, Geraldine Paholski of South Bend; a brother, Robert "Bobby" Paholski Jr. of Niles, MI; an aunt, Christine Daughtery of South Bend; and by several cousins. His beloved dogs, Murray, Radar and Rocky, were his constant companions.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Paholski Sr., and a sister, Deborah Paholski.

In his youth he enjoyed sports playing baseball at C.W.L.L. and LaSalle High School. He went on to coach at Chet Waggoner and Corpus Christi. In addition, he was one of the original We Together Singers a group formed in the late 1960s to provide Michiana area aged youth a way to spread a message of love, care, and concern for all people.

After he graduated from LaSalle H.S. in 1970, he went on to proudly serve our country in the U.S. Army from 1971-1974, during the Vietnam War. As a sharpshooter he received an honorable discharge, and shortly after attended Ivy Tech eventually attaining a welding and mechanical certificate.

Shortly after, Tom and Kim started their family. He was the protector of 'his girls.' He taught us how to forgive and accept everyone for who they are. Tom had a heart of gold and would give anyone the shirt off his back. He loved being involved with the girls extracurricular activities, whether he was in the stands or coaching he took a special interest in their teams as well as all of the players he ever had the privilege and honor of mentoring. Tom was a true outdoorsman. Our memories of him are filled with boating on Diamond Lake, fishing at Pinhook, camping at Baldwin, grilling out at the lake, playing catch, scuba diving, hunting, snow-mobiling, and of course riding his Harley with the love of his life. He could build or fix anything. He was the jack-of-all-trades and loved anything with a motor. Not only did he teach us how to cast a line, but we now all share his love in the memories we hold in our hearts.

With knowledge of the disease early on, our motto was "never take life for granted." After five years of experimental programs, Kim and Tom decided to share their love of adventure through traveling the country together. And they did. We all lived life like it was our last day and after the last 20 years of illness, he lost his first fight and we all lost the battle our family fought for many years. He left us to go to a better place, one of comfort, and one of peace and of course one with motors, tools and toys. We are sure he is up there talking all his buddies' ears off and cracking funnies.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 pm Friday, August 29, 2014, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 4 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am Saturday, August 30, 2014, in Holy Cross Church (funeral starting at 10:30 am in the funeral home). Burial to follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Liver Foundation.org, Hospice Foundation or to the DAV. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

05/17/2022 EJS