Thomas Zerafa

Brother Thomas R. Zerafa, 71, of Oak Park died on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. He was born on July 30,1951 to Joseph and Imelda (nee Gauvin) Zerafa in Detroit.
Tom is survived by his brother, Joseph (Theresa) of Livonia. Preceding him in death is a brother, Larry; sister, Linda Montoya; and his parents.
Tom was a music minister in the Archdiocese of Detroit for many years and served many parishes. He had a bachelor's of music degree from Marygrove College and was an active alumni member. As a political and agricultural activist, Tom was the Vice President of the Executive Committee of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights and will receive posthumously the Tom Zerafa Activist Award. Other activities include the Sierra Club, Peace Action, the Michigan Democratic Party and Act Up.
Tom was on the board of Motor City Freedom Riders which fought to bring mass transit to Southeast Michigan. Recently he traveled to Washington DC several times as a volunteer to lobby Congress for climate action with the Sierra Club and Citizens Climate Lobby. Tom was a founding member of Dignity Detroit and an advocate for the LGBTQ community. He even ran for mayor of Oak Park in 2007. Tom was known for his backyard barbecues and holiday gatherings, which brought the community and neighborhood together. He took vows as a Franciscan brother in 2018.
In accordance with Tom's wishes, he will receive a green burial. A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 17 at 1:00 pm in The Preserve at All Saints Cemetery, 4401 Nelsey Rd., Waterford Twp., 48329.
Friends and family will gather again on Friday, April 14, from 9:30 am until time of memorial Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church, 730 S Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.