Alex E. Chom Jr.

1925 - 2012

Alex E. Chom Jr., 86, passed away June 6, 2012, in his Painesville home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Oct. 17, 1925, in Painesville.
Following a 25 year career at Diamond Shamrock in Fairport Harbor, Alex worked as a custodian at Auburn Road Junior High School in Concord Township. He retired in 1991 to tend his gardens, enjoy his hobbies that included bowling in a Classic League, cards, birding, playing with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife. He continued to bowl and golf well into his eighties.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, participating in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He served on the U.S.S. LST- 674, LST 762, and ATA 121, delivering troops to Normandy and picking up prisoners of war from Japan one month after the atomic bombing. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
A lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Painesville, he was a devout helper from his altar boy days through chauffeuring Father Galena and beyond.
Family was the center of his universe. For nearly a decade his children and grandchildren gather weekly for a family dinner. Rain or shine, hell or high water, everyone comes to dinner. His thoughtfulness and sense of humor drew and held family and friends close. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and soon-to-be great-grandfather.
His award winning roses will miss his tender touch as much as the birds and squirrels he fed diligently.
Survivors are his loving wife of 63 years, Virginia; children, Cathee Thomas of Madison, Richard A. (Wendy) Chom of Painesville, and Robert E. Chom of Leavittsburg; grandchildren, Tina Thomas (Brian Stobiecki), Becky (Michael) Mele, Erin Chom (Chad Eldridge), Matthew Thomas, and Lysa Thomas; brother, Francis Chom of Painesville and sister, Rosemary Leonard of Painesville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex E. and Mary Ann (Pozca) Chom Sr.; brother, Joseph Chom and sister, Dorothy (Chom) Kozsey.
Calling hours will be 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 11, at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, at St. Mary Church, 242 North State Street, Painesville.
Donations may be made to Vitas Hospice, 600 East Granger Road #100, Independence, OH 44131. The professional and compassionate care they provided Alex and his family was priceless.