Thomas Tori

1927 - 2018

Thomas Tori

- - Thomas Tori was born April 24, 1927 in Montecarlo, Italy to Gino and Pia (Migilanti) Tori. He spent most of his pre-20s in Uzzano, Italy where he farmed with his family of 4 sisters (Anna, Gina, Lilly and Anita) and two brothers (Bruno and Uillio). Soon after World War II, the family emigrated to the United States, settling in the Detroit area in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 in Frankfurt, Germany during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged.

He married his childhood sweetheart Evelia Fini in 1951, who proceeded him in death in 2014. They had 3 children, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren:

Anna (Tony) Wisniewski: Carlo Wisniewski; Lia, Josh & June Kaufman; Monica Wisniewski;

Gildo (Jane) Tori: Valerie, Clint & Boaz Dougherty; Marco Tori; David Tori;

Antonio (Susan) Tori: Brianna Tori, Thomas Tori, Trevor Tori, Tyler Tori

Thomas was an accomplished accordion musician, playing in establishments in Detroit and suburban areas. He and his brothers opened Tori's Bar in Detroit, where it operated until overtaken by Wayne State University in the early 1960s. He then began his lifelong career in painting and decorating.

Throughout his life he was an accomplished gardener, hunter and fisherman, wine maker, dancer, and always loved socializing with people and enjoying a good party. He loved life and people and will be missed on earth but celebrated in heaven.

One of the connections my dad and I had was through gardening. As many of you know, and as you can see in some of the pictures, dad always had a huge garden. Some of my first memories of my dad was him working in the garden and shoeing us kids out of it so we wouldn't step on any plants. Later I wished he would have shoed us out so we wouldn't have to weed!

Not only did he have a green thumb, he had green hands! He knew how to create the best conditions for his plants, and we always had fresh vegetables year round because of his work. His garden was immaculate - weed free and plants arranged in picture-book style.

He did bring some of his favorite vegetables from Italy - the Ugly Tomato and Big White Beans. The Ugly tomato we recently registered with Michigan Heirlooms as Tori's Italian Brute. Big White Beans are still Big White Beans! Several of you have those seeds and are keeping his tradition going, so thank you!

Funeral Services 12:00 P.M. Saturday December 1, 2018 at the Keehn Funeral Home, Brighton. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 10:00 A.M. on Saturday.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to Arbor Hospice or to the Alzheimer's Association. Envelopes are available from the Keehn Funeral Home, Brighton.

Please visit Thomas' Book of Memories at www.keehnfuneralhome.com.