Thomas Gresh

Thomas C. Gresh, age 72, of Girard, passed away Friday, February 15, 2013, at St. Vincent Health Center, surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with cancer. Born February 18, 1940, in Fairview, he was a son of the late John J. and Anna Ochran Gresh.

Tom was a graduate of Fairview High School, Humble Institute and the School of Hard Knocks. He was co-owner of TomPat LLC which specializes in industrial equipment. Tom was a popular man and role model. He was one-of-a-kind and loved by everyone. He was adored by his grandchildren and won Grandfather of the Year every year. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping at Evergreen Campgrounds in Conneaut, OH. He excelled at making people feel at home with his unwavering sense of humor. He loved his many pets.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a grandson Johnathan Klobusnik and three brothers: John, Mike and Leonard.

He is survived by his wife Joyce A. Biggie Gresh; his children: Christine and Joe Bays, Thomas and Julie Gresh, Lori and Chuck Squires, Dorene and Michael Gates and Joy and Thomas Borreli; 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Bob Gresh and his wife Carol, and a sister, Elizabeth Gresh, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East in Girard on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Monday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at St. James Lutheran Church, 6851 Old Ridge Road, Fairview, with Rev. Brenda Martin officiating.

The family extends special thanks to the 8th floor nurses at St. Vincent Health Center for their tender care given to Tom and his family.

Memorials may be made to the John Kanzius Research Foundation, 130 West 8th Street, Erie, PA 16501. You may send flowers and condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.