THOMAS JOSEPH TAYLOR

Thomas Joseph Taylor of Marquette, MI left this world peacefully Sunday morning at the age of 80. In his last days, Tom was surrounded in his home by all of his children and many grandchildren. Tom was a devout Catholic and member of the St. Peter's Cathedral, participating in Eucharistic Adoration and attending mass frequently. Tom was born February 10, 1934 in Newberry, MI, the son of Pat and Marie (Surrell) Taylor. Tom was an accomplished high school and college football player and coach, earning college All-American honors and was inducted into the U.P Hall of Fame, Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame, and most recently into the Newberry High School Hall of Fame. Tom proudly served as a military policeman during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, Tom earned a Bachelor's Degree from Albion College in 1958 and a Masters Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University. Tom began his career as a football coach and educator at Clarkston High School in Clarkston, MI. He then moved on to Albion College, first as a line coach, then head coach and assistant professor of physical education. In 1973, he moved to Marquette and was employed at NMU as football coach, ...[more]

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n in the financial aid department until his retirement in 1994. Tom was respected throughout the community and was a strong role model for his family. As a runner, Tom competed in the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, MI and fostered a 30-year family tradition of participating in the Big Bay Relay. Many children and grandchildren began their love of sport and fitness at the hand of their grandfather. Tom loved to attend his family's sporting events and would travel hours to encourage and cheer from the stands. True to Yooper form, Tom loved fishing and hunting. He especially enjoyed going to hunting camp with his good friend, Bob Pecotte, and the rest of the crew. As a diehard Detroit sports fan, Tom stood by his Tigers and Lions teams through thick and thin. After retirement, Tom and Dorothy wintered in Florida for 15 years, where they loved spending time in the warmth, staying active and perfecting their golf swings. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Dorothy, five children; Debra (Gordon) Haughey, Lynne Taylor (Steve White), Kathy Taylor, Tom (Marilyn) Taylor, and Terry (Kim) Taylor. Tom is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; Jessica LaVallie, Scott Lavender, Brent Haughey, Erin Neumeyer, Jared Haughey, Krista Hill, Jennifer Lemirande, Susan Skougard, Britta Trepp, Joergen Trepp, Paul Taylor, Gina Taylor, Michael Taylor, and eighteen great grandchildren. Tom is also survived by his beloved sister, Jean (Dick) Kratochvil, cousins Matt and Jim Surrell; and numerous nieces & nephews Tom will forever be remembered for his devotion to his Catholic faith, love and adoration for his wife, love for his family, story-telling, and sense of humor. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at 12 Noon at St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the mass in the Bishop's Room of the church. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #44. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's honor to the Peter White Public Library, 217 North Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com