Bishop Thomas Gumbleton

Bishop Thomas "Tom" Gumbleton was a beacon of hope to so many around the world. He was a man whose life was a testament to the power of faith and an example of unwavering commitment to justice.
Born on January 26,1930, in the family home on Manor in Detroit, Tom leaves a legacy of love and service. He passed away on April 4, 2024.
Son of the late Helen and Vincent Gumbleton, and brother to Sr. Irene Gumbleton, IHM, Tom was a cherished sibling in a vibrant family that included his late sister Loretta Grace and late brothers Vincent, Gerrard, Raymond, John, James, and Daniel. His life was further enriched by the affection of numerous devoted nieces and nephews who looked up to their Uncle Tom as a source of wisdom and kindness.
Tom's journey of learning and spiritual growth began at Epiphany Grade School and continued through Sacred Heart Seminary for high school and college. He studied theology at St. John Major Seminary and was ordained a priest on June 2, 1956. He received his Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, Italy. This foundation of education prepared him for his nearly 70 years of ministry.
He began as a parish priest, served as Assistant Chancellor and then Vice-Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Detroit, and, in 1968, became the youngest bishop in the United States at age 38. After service in several parishes, he concluded his role as pastor with nearly 24 years at St. Leo Church in Detroit.
In addition to parish ministry and service as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Tom travelled throughout the world responding to requests to accompany people in crisis, especially in situations calling for human rights advocacy, nonviolence, and justice. His passion for justice led him to serve as a co-founder, board member or advisory committee member of over 50 organizations in Detroit, the US and abroad.
Throughout his decades of ministry, he responded to the cries of the poor, the ostracized, the disenfranchised, and the suffering. In doing so, he experienced his own transformation.
Beyond his formal responsibilities, Tom had many other interests. Known as a competitive and determined athlete, particularly during his hockey and tennis-playing days, he also had a deep love for reading – a hobby that nourished his mind and soul. A true Detroit sports fan, he celebrated and commiserated with the highs and lows of his beloved teams, especially the Tigers.
It was in his pastoral role, however, that he is best remembered for touching lives through his homilies and pastoral care. Tom inspired those around him to recognize their own call to love one another as God has first loved us. He challenged each person to build a world where all will feel at home, a belief encapsulated by the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Tom was indeed that change.
His legacy is not merely a list of accomplishments or positions held, but rather the countless hearts he touched and the minds he encouraged to think deeply about faith, justice, and love. Bishop Gumbleton lived a life that responded to the Gospel call: to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).
As we remember Tom, let us not dwell on the loss, but celebrate the inspiring life of a man who walked among us as a living example of how to serve others with humility and strength. His spirit will continue to guide us, urging us toward greater compassion and understanding in a world that deeply needs it.
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton's journey on earth has ended, but his legacy endures in the lives of those he inspired. May we honor his memory by carrying forward the torch of hope, peace, and human dignity that he bore so gracefully throughout his remarkable life.
Visitation for Bishop Gumbleton will begin on Wednesday, April 10th, from 1pm until the time of the prayer service at 4pm at the IHM Sisters Motherhouse, 610 West Elm Avenue, Monroe. Visitation will continue Thursday, April 11th, from 2pm to 8pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1000 Eliot Street, Detroit (Click here for the visitation livestream) and Friday, April 12th, from 12 noon to 8 pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Park. Bishop Gumbleton will lie instate on Saturday, April 13th from 9:30 am until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11 am at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Avenue, Detroit. The Mass will be livestreamed here.
Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.
In keeping with Bishop Gumbleton's legacy, the Gumbleton family would appreciate memorial contributions be made in his honor to: The Solanus Casey Center, St. Leo's Soup Kitchen, IHM Sisters, or Kay Lasante Clinic and select health care/Kay Lasante. Donations by check can be sent to: What If Foundation. 1569 Solano Ave. #192 Berkeley, CA 94707. Memo Line: Designate your donation to Kay Lasante Clinic.
Arrangements entrusted to Chas. Verheyden, Inc. – Grosse Pointe www.verheyden.org