Thomas M. Belian

With full hearts and wonderful memories, our family mourns the loss and celebrates the life of Thomas (Tom) M. Belian of Troy, who passed away at the age of 70, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Tom was born in Southfield, Michigan, to Dr. Albert and Rosemary Belian. His parents instilled in him the values of hard work, faith, and commitment that guided his life. He was forever loved by his wife, Lynda (Churay) Belian; his sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Stacy Hall; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pamela and Kevin Moore. He is also survived by an extended family he cherished, including numerous cousins, close friends, and his dog and best friend, Alice.

Tom grew up in Detroit in the 1950s and 1960s, a time he fondly reminisced about while sharing happy memories of growing up alongside cousins who lived just down the street. He attended Precious Blood Catholic Elementary School, Brother Rice High School, and ultimately graduated from Farmington Harrison High School. It was at Harrison that Tom discovered his love of theater and the performing arts. Many would be surprised to learn that the quiet Tom once played Arthur Keller-Helen Keller's father-in The Miracle Worker. While soft-spoken by nature, give Tom a microphone or a stage and a whole new person emerged.

A proud graduate of Western Michigan University, Tom continued his passion for media and broadcasting. He spent much of his free time as a DJ at WIDR, the university's radio station, and explored radio and television production, including an internship at Detroit's Channel 7. After graduation, Tom focused his career on information technology, though he still managed a stint as a DJ at WDRQ.

Tom enjoyed a successful 40-year career in IT, working for The Detroit News, Beaumont Hospital, Harvard Industries, Flagstar Bank, Ross Roy, St. John Hospital, Health Plan of Michigan, Quicken Loans, and ultimately UWM, where he completed his working years in 2019.

Tom married Lynda Churay on November 1, 1997, at St. Columban Church in Birmingham, Michigan, and together they made their home in Troy. They met while working at Harvard Industries and began a secret romance, carefully hiding their relationship from coworkers. That secret blossomed into a lifelong love filled with family, friends, and adventure.

Tom loved camping and, in their early years, convinced Lynda to join him-though nearly every trip was met with relentless rain. More than once, camping plans were abandoned for roadside hotels when the weather became unbearable. Eventually, Lynda persuaded Tom that the best camping destination was "Camp Hilton," far from soggy tents.

Their honeymoon cruise sparked Tom's lifelong love of cruising. Over the years, Tom and Lynda-often joined by Lynda's mother, Karen (Ree Ree, predeceased)-traveled to the Caribbean (many times), Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the Panama Canal. One of Tom's favorite trips was their final cruise together, which included several days in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. He delighted in the parades, the street celebrations, the local food, and especially watching fireworks burst over the river from their ship's balcony.

Tom had many talents-golf was not one of them. While he occasionally joined work golf outings, he lacked the patience to chase a small white ball across the fairway, instead occasionally sending a club into the ground in frustration. The one exception was the annual family golf outing, which he attended for the company and camaraderie, happily tolerating golf for a single day each year.

One of Tom's greatest joys was cruising in his convertible with Lynda while belting out television theme songs. An excellent singer, Tom kept his impressive voice largely hidden from the world. He also never would have admitted-at least not easily-to enjoying Barry Manilow songs. Lynda, a devoted Barry fan, was thrilled that Tom willingly(?) sang along and attended many concerts in good spirits.

A true Detroit Tigers fan, Tom loved attending games and debating team decisions with Ree Ree, always wearing one of his beloved Tigers caps. After retirement, a baseball cap became his signature look, as he rarely went without one.

Often affectionately called Dr. Doolittle, Tom never met an animal he didn't love-and they always seemed to know it. He was quick to sit on the floor to play with any new pet. His bond with Alice, his dog, was especially strong. In later years, Tom always wanted to know where "Ali" was, and she never left his side, especially when he needed comfort. She was happiest when Tom was on the deck, cigar in hand, showering her with attention.

Cigars were a true passion for Tom and brought him lifelong enjoyment. Since smoking indoors was off-limits, he created a comfortable man cave in the garage-complete with a recliner, space heater, and cable TV-where he spent countless hours enjoying a good stogie and coaxing friends to join him.

Though his career was rooted in IT, Tom had a boundless zest for life and an enduring passion for media and television production. A lifelong learner, he continuously explored new technologies while remaining deeply involved in community media. Through the Community Media Network (CMN), Tom directed and edited numerous television programs, served on the City of Troy Cable Advisory Committee, and helped produce and record League of Women Voters political debates, local concerts, parades, and civic programming. He was the producer of The Dane and Dave Show, which highlighted the inner workings of Troy by featuring a different city department in each episode. Tom also contributed to Just Ask, volunteered to record and stream church services, and supported countless community initiatives.

Never letting go of his passion for television, Tom founded Golden Eagle Video Productions, creating local commercials, corporate videos, and wedding recordings. With a voice perfectly suited for radio, he also performed voiceover work for corporate, educational, and commercial productions. Listen closely-you may hear his voice when you least expect it.

Above all, Tom treasured his relationships-with family, friends, coworkers, and God. He worried about Lynda and the role she had taken on but felt better knowing that she was being supported by her sister Pam and her chosen sisters Jackie, Cindy and Barb. Tom also relished his role as honorary uncle to his "nieces and nephews": Elliot, Trevor, Ben, Melissa, Sarah, Emily, and Chris. He adored watching them grow, cheering on their pool dives, laughing at the judges' scores, ice skating outings (while the adults watched), and shared meals. His favorite Christmas gifts often came from the kids, including a beloved collection of funny T-shirts, Big Bang Theory ornaments, games, and Bazinga shirts. Being part of their lives was one of his greatest joys.

Tom knew he was blessed with a loving family, but he also felt doubly fortunate to have a special chosen family. Michelle, who began as his caregiver, became a trusted friend, advisor, and one of his angels. Aunt Dee, Jackie, Mary Lynn, Marilyn, and Olivia ensured he was always well cared for and well fed. His sister Loretta stood by him every step of the way, helping care for him and keep daily life running smoothly. Tom deeply appreciated the love and attention that made his life as full and comfortable as possible.

In his later years, Tom felt the outpouring of love from all around him. Every card made him feel remembered, every prayer gave him strength. His faith remained central to his life, and while he was saddened that he could no longer attend church in person, he took comfort in watching Mass from Christ Our Light. His faith gave him resilience, peace, and hope.

Tom's life was a testament to the power of family, faith, and the joy of following one's passions. As we bid farewell, we celebrate a life filled with passion, purpose, and love. His story does not end here-it lives on in all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

Visitation will take place at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors, 1368 N. Crooks Road, (between 14 and 15 Mile Road), in Clawson, Michigan, 48017, on Monday, February 9, from 3-8pm.

A Funeral Mass will be given at Christ Our Light Parish, 3077 Glouchester Drive, in Troy, Michigan, 48084, on Tuesday, February 10, at 10:30am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 10am on Tuesday.

Memorials appreciated to the Oakland County Animal Shelter, 1200 N. Telegraph, Building 42E, Pontiac, Michigan 48341.