Thomas P. Filipiak Sr.

Deacon Thomas P. Filipiak Sr., age 85, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024. He was born on February 18, 1939 in Milwaukee to Paul and Veronica (Nee: Keiferle) Filipiak.
Tom graduated from Don Bosco High School in 1957 and Marquette University in 1965 with his degree in teaching.
He married Anna Marie (Guida-Catania), his devoted wife of 62 years, on January 27, 1962 at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Milwaukee.
Tom began his ministry as a teacher at St. Gregory The Great, followed by Our Lady of Sorrows, and then 34 years at New Berlin Middle School.
After retiring from teaching, he expanded his ministry by attending St Francis Seminary in the Milwaukee Archdiocese. In 1994, Tom was ordained as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. His ministries included: teaching RCIA, ministering to the elderly and sick, missions to Guatemala, serving as the spiritual director for the St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Bruno's, singing in the choir, serving in the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degree, and officiating at countless baptisms, weddings, and burials. Deacon Tom could often be heard telling detailed stories about saints and the Bible to the children at St. Bruno's Grade School. Many at St. Bruno's benefited from Deacon Tom's counseling skills and knowledge of Catholicism. Deacon Tom was also the director of liturgy for the Festa Italiana Mass for 15 years.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, running half marathons, the Milwaukee Area Radio Enthusiasts (old-time radio), model trains, and watching sports, especially the Green Bay Packers.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Anna Marie, his children Thomas Jr. (Patti), Christian (Trish), Paula (Kenneth). Thomas is further survived by 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Veronica Filipiak, his brother Charles Filipiak, sister Ruth Ann Lau, his son Joseph Filipiak, and his brother-in-law John Guida.
The Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday August 24th, 2024, with visitation from 9AM-10:45AM, followed by Mass at 11AM, followed by reception at ST. BRUNO'S CHURCH, 226 W. Ottawa Ave, Dousman WI 53118.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Bruno's Parish School, 226 W. Ottawa Ave, Dousman, WI 53118.
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