TRAVERSE CITY — Thomas M. "Tom" Mulcahy, 52, of Traverse City, formerly of Suttons Bay, died Easter Sunday morning, April 16, 2006, at Munson Hospice House, surrounded by his wife, children, and his extended family.
He was born on Aug. 15, 1953, in Traverse City, the son of David Edward and Jean (Sculley) Mulcahy. On July 20, 1984, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cedar, he married the former Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Sleder.
A finish carpenter and cabinet marker by trade, he served many individuals and families throughout this area, many who can attest to his tremendous talent and ability.
Tom possessed many wonderful and engaging attributes, which included an outgoing personality, creative mind, compassionate spirit, helpful soul, but above all, he was a true and loyal friend to many.
He was a man of deep faith and dedicated his life to the service of others. This was very evident in his membership with St. Francis Catholic Church and Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Church. He enjoyed the time he spent with the Guatemala Education Mission, as well as working with students from the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools to build a home in Mexico for a homeless family.
He was very active with the Traverse Bay Blues RFC Rugby Football Club and served as secretary of Blues Brothers River Pitch, Inc. The team players were truly part of his extended family.
Tom is survived by his wife, Betsy of Traverse City; stepchildren, Cassandra (Kevin) Muir of Quakertown, Pa., and Haven Johnston of Traverse City; two grandchildren, Mickaela and Sophia Muir; as well as his 11 brothers and sisters: Christopher J. (Dorene) Mulcahy of Tampa, Fla., Michael A. (Teri) Mulcahy of Traverse City, Joseph P. Mulcahy of Uttar Kashi, India, Mary E. (Bruce) Muzzarelli of Traverse City, Lucy A. (William) Repovz of Lansing, Paul G. Mulcahy of Silver Springs, Md., Peter D. (Margherite) Mulcahy of Boyds, Md., Theresa M. Mulcahy of Traverse City, David M. Mulcahy of St. Charles, Mo., Martha J. Mulcahy (Bira Ahluwahlia) of Traverse City and Glenview, Ill., and Ann M. (Michael) Mawby of Traverse City; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, David Edward Mulcahy, March 29, 1977; mother, Jean Sculley Mulcahy, March 19, 2003; and an infant brother, David James Mulcahy, who died in 1947.
Friends may call at St. Francis Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a Rosary and Wake Service at 7:30 p.m.
A Memorial Mass will be offered at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, from St. Francis Catholic Church. The Rev. Andrew Buvala and Rev. John Grathwohl will serve as the celebrants.
In remembrance of Tom, memorials may be directed to the Guatemala Educational Fund for Children, c/o Rev. Andrew Buvala, Blessed Kateri Church, 2753 N. West-Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.
Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
