Thomas B. DePottyondy

Thomas (Tom) Bank DePottyondy, 78, unexpectedly passed away in San Diego, CA with his daughter and son-in-law by his side on March 27th, 2024. Tom was born on November 8, 1945 in Tann, Germany to Hungarian parents Bela and Sylvia DePottyondy. Because his parents were outspoken opponents of communism, in 1951 his mother, older sister, Mary, and young Tom boarded a ship to the US for safety.

Soon the family found themselves in East Lansing, MI. Tom graduated from St Thomas Aquinas High School in 1963. Following completion of his service in the US Army, he returned to Lansing and worked for the MI Department of Transportation until his fortunate early retirement, of which he took full advantage!

If you knew Tom, you knew how much he loved cars and sports of any kind and level. Many hours were spent talking about the best car (it's a Shelby Cobra) and the latest excitement in sports games. He spent most of his life playing, watching, and coaching sports. He rarely missed a Michigan State basketball or football game, even if it meant watching with his phone hidden under the table. The Spartans have certainly lost their number one fan!

He was an even bigger fan of his grandkids though. If there was anything that would pull him away from a Spartan's game, it was the grandkids. He was so proud of each of them. He spent half the year with them just so he could be there during their sports seasons. They enjoyed many years with him at their practices and games, getting coached in the backyard or on the car ride home. He proudly shared videos of their big shots, great hits, and amazing catches. Each of them learned to ride a bike with him by their side. Being a grandfather was his greatest joy in life.

It would be impossible to talk about Tom without mentioning his love (and addiction) to the game of golf. He dedicated years of his life to perfecting the game. He rarely missed a day from Spring to Fall, often playing more than once a day. And while it was clear that he loved golf, he equally loved the friends he played with every week. He developed many close friendships on the course and truly cared about the lives of everyone he met. His spirit will forever remain on the courses he played.

His departure comes as a great shock and is a tremendous loss to everyone who met him, as his love and concern for all was ever apparent. Whatever anyone needed, he would find a way to provide. Friends became family easily to Tom. His passing will be heavily felt.

Above all else, Tom was a loving father to his children who he cared for deeply. He helped them whenever and wherever he could. Whether it was wiring a new light socket or paying for everything, every chance he got, his generosity and kind-heartedness was unrivaled. His love and attention will be forever missed. Nothing can replace the love of a father like Tom.

He is survived by his children, Shannon (Sean), Kylea (Ryan), John (Jen); his grandchildren Mason, Fiona, Isla, Sylvia, Griffin, and Peyton; his niece and nephews Kristina (Paul), Steve (Stacey), Tom (Kelly), and Kathy (Corey) and their children. He was predeceased by his parents Bela and Sylvia, his sister, Mary, and his aunt, Sofie. A memorial service (surely centered on golf) is being planned for early summer. The family appreciates your support during this difficult time. They ask that you please consider donating to your local high school sports boosters in his memory.

Tom will be remembered as a passionate and vibrant man, a loving father and grandfather, and a true friend with an enormous heart who will be sorely missed. Go Green!