Leroy Thomas Rheaume

December 20, 1935 – October 30, 2025

Leroy Thomas Rheaume, known to everyone as Tom, passed away on October 30, 2025, at the age of 89. Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on December 20, 1935, Tom lived a life marked by humor, devotion, and faith in both his family and his country.

Tom proudly served in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class and serving as a Mess Sergeant. His overseas tours took him to Korea, Panama, and Vietnam, where he shared not only his culinary skills but his steady presence and good-natured leadership.

After his military career, Tom continued serving others in quieter but equally meaningful ways. A lifelong Louisville Cardinals fan, he loved golf and was good at just about any sport he tried. He also had a deep love for animals—teaching them tricks, feeding them, and treating them like part of the family.

Tom was a faithful member of Shively Christian Church in Louisville, KY, and Woodburn Baptist Church, where he expressed his faith through cooking for others and lending a hand wherever he could. He wanted those he loved to know God the way he did. He wasn’t a perfect man, but he tried his best to hide that—and he did it with a smile.

Tom was married to Melanie Lane Rheaume for 52 years, and together they built a beautiful, blended family. He is survived by children Tony (Dell) Rheaume, Carol (Norris) Sizemore, the late Rose (Graham) Stinson, Bren Rheaume, Hung (Susan) Tran, Mike (Melissa) Kapfhammer, and Jason (Angie) Kapfhammer. He leaves behind 20 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and his beloved brother Nelson “Jean” Rheaume, the last surviving of his 10 brothers and one sister.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest A. and Eva David Rheaume, and many dear siblings who went before him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday,  December 5th at 4:00 PM at Shively Christian Church, 1822 Kendall Lane, Louisville, KY 40216. A time of food and fellowship will follow in the church’s Recreation Center—just as Tom would have wanted it: good company, good food, and a few laughs.