Thomas A. “Tom” Powers, age 76, passed away on Thursday morning, May 2, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born September 25, 1942 in Marion, OH to Francis C. and Mary E. (Lieb) Powers. On December 27, 1966, he married Catherine J. Miller in Toronto, Ontario, Can.
Tom attended Marion Catholic High School, Marion, OH. He then attended Mount St. Mary’s College, the Mary Knoll Seminary, and The Ohio University for his bachelor’s degrees. He earned a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University and his Educational Specialist from Central Michigan University.
Those who know Tom, know he was a giver of his time, talents and treasures. Tom started his education career at Toledo Central Catholic High School and then moved to Flint, MI as a Community Education Director. After stints in Flint and Oscoda, Tom assumed the Community Education Director position at Mona Shores where he served for 12 years.
In 1983, Tom took over as the Superintendent of the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools (St. Francis). From there, Tom came back to Mona Shores as the principal of Hile Elementary, and then spent the last nine years of his education career as the Superintendent of the Greater Muskegon Area Catholic Schools and was President of the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation. Tom loved his schools and his “kids”.
After retiring from education Tom served as the Director of Mission Services for Mercy Health Partners for 5 years. Tom officially retired in 2008 but never really retired. Tom was always a true community servant.
He was instrumental in developing the original May Fest and the Muskegon Area Child Abuse Council. Tom served as a member and as past president for the Muskegon Exchange Club and the Muskegon Rotary Club. In 2008, he led a very successful Muskegon United Way Campaign.
Tom was the quintessential Irishman. He was a long-time member of the Muskegon Irish American Society as well as the Michigan Irish Musical Festival. Tom served his church parishes of St. Joseph, Our Lady of Grace, and St. Francis de Sales.
Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Cathy Powers of Norton Shores; 2 sons, Kelly (Lisa) Powers of Muskegon and their children, Collin and Erin Powers; Casey (Jennifer) Powers of Petoskey, MI and their children, Griffen Powers and Patrick Sheperd; his sister, Penny Sulieman of Manhattan, KS and her children, Gibran and Suad Sulieman. Tom was preceded in death by his grandson, Connor Miller Powers in 1996. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 PM Saturday, May 11, 2019 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St.) with Revs.
Fr. Michael P. Olson and Fr. Bartholomew Okagbue presiding.
Visitation will be held 4-7 PM Friday at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to Mass, 12-1 PM Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Muskegon Catholic Education Foundation or the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County.
Sign the guestbook online at www. sytsemafh.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Thomas A. “Tom” Powers please visit our Sympathy Store.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
