Thomas J. "Tommy" Elum

Thomas J. "Tommy" Elum, 83, of Massillon, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. He was born on June 8, 1939 in Massillon, Ohio to Francis J. and Rose V. (Shannon) Elum.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra L. (Aseaf) Elum, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage and Brother, Francis "Joey" J. Elum, Jr..
Tommy is survived by his Daughter, Stephanie Elum (Donald) Ilg, Son, Francis J Elum, II, Grandchildren, Alexandra R. and Eli T. Ilg, Sister-In-Laws, Linda (Marlatt) Elum, JoAnne Barksdale and Michele "Mikey" Staitz. He is also survived by a large extended Lebanese family. Thomas had many friends and business associates who will miss him dearly.
Tommy attended St. Joseph's Elementary School and was a lifetime parishioner. He was a 1958 graduate of Canton Central Catholic High School. He started working full time in 1959 at Elum Music Co., where he later retired as an officer and co-owner. He also served in the United States Army, until his honorable discharge. He was a member of the AMOA and the OCMA national and state music associations where he was recognized for his meritorious service. Tommy was the former owner of Maldoon's Pub. In 1980, he became a charter member of the VNEA (Valley National Eight Ball Association). Tommy was chairman of many committees and was the only person to be elected as president of the association twice. While serving, he received the President's Choice Award, Lifetime Sanction and MSA (Meritorious Service Award), which is only given to someone who has gone above and beyond in their service to the association. He was personally responsible for raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to begin and keep the Junior Player's Program growing. He also is inducted in the Stark County Amateur Billiards Hall of Fame. He was an honorary life member of both the Massillon Knights of Columbus #554 and Elks Club. He was also a member of the Massillon Museum and the Massillon Lebanese Club. He was a founding board member of the CYC (Catholic Youth Council), an avid golfer at the Elm's CC and bowler in the Syrian-Lebanese League. Tommy was a life long Massillon Tiger Football fan, Orangeman and Booster Club member. He was also an avid Cleveland sports fan, holding season tickets to the Cavs and Indians for years and a very "patient" Browns fan. Tommy will be missed by all, especially his good friends at the B&K Cafe, T.J. Dillon's Pub, and the East Oak Grill.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, November 7, 2022 at Paquelet Funeral Home. His Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Tuesday, at St Joseph's Catholic Church Massillon with burial to follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The service will be officiated by The Very Rev. Canon Fr. Matthew Mankowski and Fr. Raymond Paul.
The family would appreciate contributions be made in Tommy's name to the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon or the Soup Kitchen at St. Joseph's Church in Massillon..