Thomas Richard Paskert

Thomas R. Paskert, age 78, of Canfield, OH passed away into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. He was born January 11, 1947 in Chicago, IL, the son of late Richard P. Paskert and Gwendolyn M. (Palmisano) Paskert. He attended grade school at St. Patrick's in Kent, OH and graduated high school at the Kent State University School in 1964. After high school, he attended Kent State University briefly before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was ranked an SP6, which was used for personnel with specialized technical and leadership roles, and received the National Defense Service Medal. After the Army, he attended Kent State University and completed his MBA in International Business and Finance, receiving the award for outstanding business graduate in 1974. He worked at TRW in Cleveland, OH for 13 years where he was promoted to various finance and manufacturing positions, ending with Director of Business Planning for the Automative Worldwide division. He spent one year of that time during the Reagan Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce as an exchange Advisor on Automative Affairs and General Aviation for the U.S. Under Secretary for International Trade. He later accepted the position of CFO at Litco International in Vienna, OH where he spent more than a decade and met his future wife. In 1999, he took the role of CFO at Millwood Inc. of Vienna, OH. During his years at Millwood, he helped build and grow the new company. He enjoyed every minute of it. Tom always strived for success, and he left everything he was involved in better than when he found it. He retired in 2013 but continued as a trusted advisor until his death. He met the love of his life, Sara Elizabeth Holesko while working at Litco International. They married on November 12, 1994 and enjoyed 30 beautiful years together. Over 30 years, Tom and Sara shared their family with their dogs – Dutch, Bisket, and Brixton – and built beautiful family ties. He showed his love by playing host and merging both families together. He was also a loyal friend, maintaining many friendships from childhood. Tom was larger than life and leaves an impossible hole to fill. His wry sense of humor left everyone saying "that's Tom." He was an avid reader and loved taking opposite views in discussions just to make things interesting. He pushed others to stimulate and use their minds to come to their own conclusions. He was also classic and timeless; he held rock-solid beliefs on love, respect, honor, loyalty, family, his country, and God. He will leave a lasting effect on the many lives he touched. Preceding him in death were his parents Richard P. & Gwendolyn M. (Palmisano) Paskert, and his half-sister Jennifer Paskert Hessler. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara E. (Holesko) Paskert, and dog, Brixton of Canfield, OH as well as his younger siblings Cecilia (Gary) Rasile of Alliance, OH; Barbara Glenn of Rocky River, OH; Michael (Jean) Paskert of Missoula, MT; and Phillip Paskert of Monessan, PA. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Friday, October 24, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm. Calling hours will also be at the James Funeral Home on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 9:30-10:00am. They will be followed by a Memorial Service at the funeral home at 10:00am. Then a Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary & St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton Falls at 11:00am with Father Zachary Coulter officiating. He will be laid to rest at the St. Michael's Cemetery. Full military honors will be performed by the Newton Falls Veterans Honor Guard. In memory of Tom, flowers, cards, and memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Rescue Mission of Mahoning County would all be equally appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330) 872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Richard Paskert, please visit our floral store.