Thomas J. Michalik

Our brother Thomas Joseph Michalik passed away on October 15, 2024. He was born July 8, 1953, in Manchester, CT and lived in Manchester for most of his life.
Tom had many friends throughout his life and some very close friends, none more so than Dennis, his friend since fourth grade. During their childhood and again later in life Dennis and Tom enjoyed a good Marvel Action comic book. Spiderman was Tom's favorite superhero.
Tom had a happy childhood. He played baseball where he once struck out thirteen batters and hit a home run in a Little League game, spent hours fishing alongside his friend Dan, launched homemade rockets with Steve with neither losing any fingers in the process, played tough basketball with the neighborhood gang and was always ready with a corny joke.
Signs of mental illness began to appear when Tom was in his mid-teens and unfortunately his illness became more pronounced as he grew older. He did not lose his sense of humor however nor his love for friends and family. In fact, he would always ask how we were doing when we got together. He had a big smile and a twinkle in his eye when he asked about the grandchildren, "a bundle of joy', as he called them.
Tom was associated with Pathfinders, the local AA organization, for more than 40 years. He looked forward each week to a meeting with friends where he was always uplifted. When asked how a particular meeting went, he most often gave a one-word answer, "excellent".
Tom was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Nell. He leaves his brother John and sister-in-law Ellen, his brother James and sister-in-law Betsy, his sister Carol and brother-in-law Dale and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
The family is forever grateful for the care and support Tom received from staff of Touchpoints of Manchester over the years. Touchpoints was Tom's second family and staff and residents alike treated him as such. He is already missed.
A graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Saint James Cemetery, Manchester, CT.