Thomas Joseph Hemak

Thomas Joseph Hemak, 79, passed into Eternal Life on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Tom was born in Chicago, IL on July 18, 1946 to Chester and Bernice Hemak. Always remaining a proud Chicago native, he spent most of his adult life in Michigan where he met Sandra Jean Dombrowski while they both attended the University of Detroit. They married on November 7, 1970 at St. Florian Catholic Church. Tom had a long career as a Mechanical Engineer in the automotive industry spanning time with Bendix, Cummins, Holley Automotive, and BorgWarner Automotive where he once served as Chief Engineer. He retired in 2009, giving him and Sandy more time to travel the world together. He had many hobbies and interests including stamp collecting, history, music, and Lionel trains. Most of all, he loved to dance with Sandy and always found opportunities even during his final weeks of life.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Sandra; his sons Jason (Holly) and Michael (Kjersti); his grandchildren Joseph, Cecilia, John, Regina, Clayton, and Austin; his sisters Elizabeth Janik and Susan Sinovich (Dave); his nephew Nicholas Janik (Patti) and niece Katie Kazas (Dino); and other family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Bernice Hemak.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Gertrude Church (6543 Miami Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45243) on Monday, August 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM with Fr. John Paul Walker, O.P. celebrant. Private burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Gilligan Funeral Home (8225 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45242).
Memorial contributions can be made to the Life Enriching Communities Foundation at Twin Lakes (https://lec.org/foundation/donate/general-donation) and/or St. Gertrude Church (https://stgertrude.onlinegiving.org/donate).