THOMAS F. DURICA “Tom”, age 92 of Parma, Ohio, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 29, 2023. Born October 24, 1930, in Madera, Pennsylvania, to George and Anna (Kitko) Durica, underneath the “one pie apple tree”. He was the eleventh-born child of twelve children. Preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline (nee Pall). Tom and Jackie were married for over 60 years, and he will be deeply missed by their dog Minnie. He is also survived by his six children: Chris (Durica) Gaudino, Judy (Durica) Coon (Tom), Thomas P Durica (Diana), Sandee (Durica) Winkelman (Jeff), Laura (Durica) Ciric (Louie), Rebecca (Durica) Rasch (George).
Twenty Grandchildren: Joe Jr., Dan, Nick, and Sara (Gaudino) Lipps; Elizabeth (Coon) Drlik, Eric, and Kevin Coon; Garrett and Hannah Durica; Jim and Jeffrey Stadalsky, Jenna, and Jacob Winkelman; Natalie Regal (Ciric), Emmy Wolfe (Ciric), and Stephanie Ciric; Lucy and George IV Rasch, Morgan and Nicole Petryka.; thirteen Great-Grandchildren: Stephanie and Gianna Gaudino, Jacob, Danielle, and Madeline Gaudino, Adrianna and Alex Gaudino, Waylon, and Annelise Lipps; Logan and Bradley Stadalsky; Clara and Colette Coon; Tom was predeceased by his siblings: Joseph, Mary, Emery, Pauline, Frances, Martha, George, John, and Helen. He is survived by two sisters Anne and Margaret. Tom also leaves behind many relatives and friends.
Tom is a veteran of the Korean War. He served honorably in the Army, achieving the rank of Corporal. He was drafted in 1952, just before the birth of his first child.
In the 60s, Tom owned and operated Durica’s Sohio in Cleveland, Ohio where he proudly served the community as a mechanic along with providing roadside assistance.
In the 70s, he was the owner and operator of two Sunoco’s where he proudly served the community in two locations in the Cleveland area. He retired from his work in 1996.
Tom was a plantsman who loved to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. He looked forward to the fall season–making apple sauce, sauerkraut, and eating apple pie. When he was not in the garden, he spent time with his family. Tom loved to share stories about his patriotism and family traditions. Some of his favorite things to do were playing Uno, watching the RFD channel, and listening to Polka music. He finished well, his life was a blessing. We will miss your laughter and your smile, most importantly your leadership. Thank you, your heavenly father, for the time you gave us.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Monarch School of JCB; 22001 Fairmount Boulevard, Beachwood, Ohio 44122 or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Funeral Mass 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Church, 5891 Ridge Rd., Parma, 4412, (please meet at Church). Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Friends received at GOLUBSKI FUNERAL HOME, 5986 RIDGE RD., PARMA, 44129, 2-4 and 6-8 PM WEDNESDAY.
