Thomas Eugene Bobay

THOMAS EUGENE BOBAY, 82, peacefully went home to our Lord on December 14, 2010, after a short illness. He spent his last days at home surrounded by his family and close friends. Born on October 16, 1928, in Fort Wayne, Tom was a 1946 graduate of Central Catholic High School, and attended Ball State University, before embarking on a long and successful career in internal sales at the Fort Wayne Division of the Dana Corp., retiring with 40 years of service. Tom married the love of his life, Joan Alspaugh Bobay 61 years ago, and they enjoyed a full life filled with many good friends, a large extended family, and their life long romance. His many volunteer activities included 20 years in the Catholic Youth Organization in Fort Wayne, beginning the annual diocesan championships between the top CYO teams from Fort Wayne and South Bend. Tom was an active member of the Dana (now Fort Financial) Credit Union for over 45 years. He was active in his children’s Boy Scout Troop 20, Little League, and many other youth activities. Tom volunteered with the St. Vincent De Paul Society, AARP Tax Aid Program, the Knights of Columbus, and multiple St. Jude missions to Biloxi, Mississippi to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church since 1957, where he was a lector, and a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Waterloo. Tom was a long time local sports official, refereeing basketball, soccer, volleyball, football, baseball, and softball. He whistled his last game at the age of 80, still getting up and down the soccer field better than many half his age. He loved traveling, sunny days at Hamilton Lake, playing euchre, golf and bowling, and was one of the greatest back seat drivers of all time. He is survived by loving wife and great friend Joan; five children, Lynn (Sharon) of Duck, N.C., Keith (Julie 1) of Bloomington, Craig (Nancy), Denise Strunk, and Terry (Julie 2) all of Fort Wayne; and grandchildren, Tim, Ben, Kylene, Beth, Sarah, Mollie, Sean, David, Annie, Lia, Tyler, and Kelly; six great grandchildren; brother, Jim (Audrey); sisters, Betty (Jack) Schroeder, Rita (Tom) Bastress, Dorothy Drew; brother-in-law, Bob Mc Donald; and dozens of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Catherine Bobay, brother Jack, and sister Mary Ellen Mc Donald. Tom was always quick with his famous smile and an encouraging word. He was loved and will be missed by many. Mass of Christian Burial is 10am Saturday at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 1500 W. State Blvd. with calling one hour prior, Fr. Gary Sigler and Fr. David Carkenord officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm Friday at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road with Rosary at 4:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Queen of Angels Athletic Fund. To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com