Thomas James Rea

Deacon Thomas James Rea
Gregory, MI
His Legacy Thomas James Rea was born on October 1, 1954, in Columbus, Georgia, the eldest child of Lawrence and Mary Alice Rea. He passed from death to life on March 24th, 2025. From an early age, he possessed a deep curiosity about the world, a trait that guided him throughout his life. His passion for science led to a distinguished career as a research scientist and consultant, yet his true calling was always rooted in faith, family, and service. While pursuing his Master's in molecular biology, Tom attended the Notre Dame National Charismatic Conference, where he met the love of his life, Barbara. They married in 1979, building a home grounded in faith and love, always living by the scripture, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." After years of professional success, Tom answered God's call and was ordained a Deacon of the Catholic Church in 2009, dedicating his life to spiritual service. As a Chaplain and later head of the chaplaincy program at St. Joseph Hospital in Ann Arbor, he provided unwavering compassion, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also ministered to the communities of St. Cornelius and Cyprian, St. Patrick in Brighton, and St. Mary in Pinckney, always seeking to serve with humility, kindness, and a steadfast devotion to Christ.
Above all else, Tom's greatest joy was his family. He and Barb raised their six children with love and purpose, creating a home filled with prayer, laughter, and deep conversations. Tom was always present-leading bedtime prayers, sharing meals, and offering wisdom in life's challenges. He found his greatest fulfillment in seeing his children and grandchildren grow, instilling in them the values of faith, integrity, and service. His love was constant, his wisdom profound, and his presence a steady anchor in the lives of those he cherished.
Over the years, Tom's fascination with how things worked led him to explore many hobbies. He became a woodworker, a vintner, a beekeeper, a farmer and a shepherd. He enjoyed the beauty of God's creation while embracing the challenges of stewarding it.
His Family Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Barb, and his children Cynthia (Tom) Frederick, Jonathan (Melanie) Rea, Timothy (Marie) Rea, Dominic (Jennifer) Rea, Nathanael (Geralyn) Rea, and Kathleen. He was deeply blessed–and his legacy will be carried on–by his 28 grandchildren: Anastasia, Elijah, Zoe, Sophia, Veronica, Karis, Helen, Benjamin, Jack, Eli, Kateri, Stephen, Rebekah, Samuel, Isaiah, Edward, William, Isabelle, Gerard, Joseph, Mary-Louis, Esther, (one on the way), Thomas, Charlotte, Michael, and John Paul. Tom is also survived by his siblings Christine (Jim) Greene, Carol Lamone, and David (Kathy) Rea. He now joins in eternal rest with his parents and several unborn grandchildren, his faith fulfilled in the promise of everlasting life.
His Farewell Tom's family and friends will gather on Monday, March 31, 2025, from 2:00PM-8:00PM, Chaplet of Divine Mercy Prayer at 3PM, Rosary Prayer at 5PM, Scripture Service at 7PM at St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney, Michigan.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 11:00AM (9:45AM-10:45AM gathering, 10:45AM Family Eulogy), at St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Michigan Right to Life, Livingston County Catholic Charities, or the St. Louis Center, organizations that reflect Tom's lifelong commitment to serving others. Please leave a message of comfort for Tom's family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com Arrangements by Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Shelters Chapel, Pinckney, Michigan.
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