Thomas G. Hardy

Birmingham - Thomas (Tom) Hardy, passed on April 5, 2025. Tom was born in New Kensington, PA to Elizabeth Tooma and Abraham Hardy on April 15, 1937, was instantly smothered with love by his adoring Syrian grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Elizabeth eventually left New Kensington with two-year-old Douglas in tow, headed for Detroit to live with her mother and aunt. Four-year-old, Thomas was to stay behind with his grandparents until she was settled. When she returned to get him, she faced a screaming little boy, the bond with his Sitto and Jiddo was just that strong! Tom never forgot that heart wrenching day.

"Betty" later married Elouis Harp, a transplant from Paducah, KY, when the boys were about nine and eight, and, with little cash, dared to open Harp's first store in 1947, a business which still thrives today in Birmingham, MI. In 1952, a third son, Lewis, was born, and Tom quickly became his "protector," as Betty and "Harp" were consumed with the business. Even at the age of 15, Tom had great parenting skills, and he had high hopes for Lou's forthcoming illustrious athletic career. He coached Lou's Little League teams, and worked him out constantly, unintentionally pushing Lou so hard that his arm blew out, and his two front teeth landed on the front lawn one day when he was popping fly balls, thus foiling Tom's grand plans.

In the 9th grade, Tom entered Detroit Country Day School, earning a full athletic scholarship by the 10th grade. By his senior year, he was a 14-Letterman, and especially proud of a football game in which he scored 5 touchdowns, a record that may still be unbroken. During those high school years, "Tony" (a nickname his pals gave him,) formed lifetime friendships with fellow teammates, such as Pete Hankins, an all-around great athlete and Norm Lippitt who was, according to Tom, "fast as lightning!" Tom, an outstanding athlete himself was asked to try out with the Tigers, but he didn't make the cut. "I knew in a minute I wasn't as fast as those other guys, and I couldn't throw as far," he said, recalling the day.

It was during a Philosophy class at Eastern Michigan when a girl who sat in the front row, constantly waving her hand to ask a question or make a comment, caught his eye. "Are we going to have to listen to that broad this whole semester?" he complained to the friend sitting next to him. As fate would have it, that girl with the irritating voice (and great legs so he said,) Pat Magna, was to become Mrs. Thomas Hardy on April 1st of 1961.

Tom graduated from EMU with an Accounting Degree in 1959, and became an IRS Agent which is kind of ironic since he enjoyed giving money, not taking it. His friend, Bruce, already a student at Detroit College of Law, suggested Tom consider going to DCL, so Tom started night school at DCL, graduating #1 in the Class of '63. Danny Clark, Tom Hardy, and Bart Lewis started the firm, Clark, Hardy, Lewis (& Page) that year, and Tom practiced law until 2021. Had it not been for memory problems, it is doubtful he would have ever retired. For Tom, the practice of law was never work; it was a lifetime passion!

With the arrival of Tom's four daughters, Lisa, Lanie, Leslie and Liz, life became more interesting dealing with sibling throw-downs, boyfriends, break-ups and late night parties. "All I ask is that you give me ignorance," he cautioned emphatically. Handball courts at Belle Isle and at the Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) gave him a break from the drama. There are far too many amazing, sun-bronzed hand-ballers for us to name, but sessions in the Steam Room and the Tap Room often found Tom, Bill Bonanni, Ben Paolucci, Jesse Cardellio, Pete Hanley and Carl Rashid huddled together swapping stories and laughs. Tom's unique sense of humor was one of his finest attributes.

While Tom didn't vacation nearly enough (a mistake!) family trips were intentionally a bit offbeat. For instance, P-Town (Provincetown, MA) Drag Shows, hazardous bike trails, clam strips by the sea, Carnival Weekend, Bear Week, followed by the greatest meals in NYC on the way home, plus excursions to Broadway, Greenwich Village, Neighborhood handball lots, and Central Park, our pockets always stuffed with a credit card and dollar bills for the street people...what beautiful memories!!

Tom is survived by the 5 Hardy Girls he loved beyond words, great sons-in-laws, Chuck Hamill, Dave Cosgrove, Christopher Proper and James Jameson, grandchildren, Cali, David and Erin Cosgrove, and Jacqueline and Thomas Hamill, brother and sister-in-law, Lou and Amy, niece Kim Hickson, nephew Doug Hardy and cousin Anthony Elias with deceased Betty and Elouis Harp, Helen, Tom and Sam Magna, brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Geri Hardy, and countless New Kensington Hardy's also in our hearts. Those we love are never far away, no matter what the distance.

Visitation: 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at St. David's Episcopal Church, 16200 W. 12 Mi. Rd, Southfield. Followed by "A Time of Reflection" from 6-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation to The Mission of St. Anne's Mead, 16106 W. 12 Mile Rd, in Southfield, or the Basilica of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, 18100 Merriman Rd. Livonia, MI. The Tom Hardy family would be honored!!

(This obituary was a group effort by the 4 Hardy sisters and their mother who loved TH more than they can ever say, and they wish to express great appreciation to all the caregivers at St. Anne's.)