Tom Vasbinder

Tom Vasbinder
Tom William Vasbinder, age 70, passed away on Oct. 18, 2013, at the Evangelical Home Saline with his wife, Leda Ricci, by his side.
Tom was born in Dover, Ohio on July 23, 1943, and was the son of James William and Virginia Vasbinder, who preceded him in death.
Tom graduated from Dover High School in 1961. He attended Tri State University in Angola, Ind., and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1964. He was a member of Sigma Phi Delta fraternity and served in the military from 1967 to 1970.
After working as a test engineer at General Motors and as a design/development engineer at Chrysler, Tom worked for 30 years at Ford Motor Company from 1972 to 2002. While at Ford he managed the Vehicle Safety Assurance Department in the Automotive Safety Office and he retired from Ford Motor Company as Manager of the Occupant Protection Department in Ford's Automotive Safety Office. Following his retirement, he formed Vasbinder Safety Consulting Company and was a member of the Ford GT40 design and development team.
Tom's interests included land development, woodworking, residential construction, gardening, racecars and motorcycles, and spending time with friends and family. He was an avid reader and loved music, especially the music and energy of the young Saline Fiddlers who brought joy, happiness, and life to Tom during his illness. Tom was a generous and multitalented man who loved his country and was a dedicated employee.
There was a special place in Tom's heart for his nieces, nephew, godchildren, and his beloved dog, Louie. Tom's wonderful and special smile will always be remembered by caretakers, friends, and family. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Leda; his sister, Judith of Dover, Ohio; his brother, Richard of Canal Winchester, Ohio; his nieces, Daniela and Jacqueline Bishop and Rebecca and Rachel Marino; his nephew, Michael Bishop; and his godchildren, Christopher and Allison DiVirgilio.
A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2270 East Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. The family will receive friends at St. Francis Church from 9:00-10:00 a.m., prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to the Saline Fiddlers, P.O. Box 315, Saline, MI 48176. Sincere gratitude is extended to the gifted and blessed caregivers, nurses, and staff at the Evangelical Home Saline for the patient, compassionate, and dignified care they gave Tom. Arbor Hospice and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church are gratefully acknowledged for providing kind guidance and support.