Thomas "Tom" L. Carmody, 91, Escanaba, passed away on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at UP Health System in Marquette. He was born on July 8, 1925 in Perkins, MI, son of the late Thomas and Blanche (Gerou) Carmody. On November 9, 1946 Tom married the former Betty J. Pilon at St. Joseph's Church in Escanaba.
Tom's family moved to Gladstone where he completed the seventh grade and proudly joined the CCC at the young age of 16.
Tom joined the United States Army on September 30, 1943 . He was deployed to Africa, made the invasion of Sicily, joined the 45th Division 180th Infantry, and also made the invasion of Italy, Anzio, and France. Tom was wounded in France and was held by Germany as a Prisoner of War for six months. During that time they took his American uniform and used it in the Battle of the Bulge. He was then issued a 1918 Belgian uniform; which consisted of wooden shoes with a square rag for stockings and a square rag for mittens. He was later transferred to prison camps in Poland and Czechoslovakia. When the camp was liberated, only 40 of the original 130 men had survived. He was awarded four Battle Stars, one Invasion Arrow, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, African/European Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and the Army Reserve Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945.
Upon returning to Escanaba, he worked for T.D. Vinette Iron Works for 25 years. He then started his own business: Carmody Heating and Air Conditioning, until his retirement at the age of 78.
He was a member of St. Anthony Church, the DAV, VFW, Escanaba Elks, and in 2009 was honored with a 50 year membership of the Wells Lions Club. Tom was an avid snowmobiler who was always leading the way. He also loved to ride his motorcycle, play cards, spend time boating, hunting at his camp in Hermansville, and being at his cottage on Corner Lake.
He is survived by his wife: Betty of nearly 70 years, his son: Tommy (Sheri) Carmody, and many nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a sister: Lillian Eagle.
Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday October 6, 2016 at the Allo Coolman Funeral Home in Escanaba with Delta County Veterans Council rites and the Army Honor Guard at 6:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday October 7, 2016 at St. Anthony of Padua in Wells with Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Entombment will follow Mass in the Gardens of Rest Mausoleum with a 21 gun salute honoring his bravery and dedication while proudly serving his country. A luncheon will be held in the church parish hall.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.
-
"Aunt Betty, Tommy and all our family in MI...we are so sad to lose such a special person. He was always one of my favorite uncles even though sometimes he scared me with his serious face but then would crack a smile and make me laugh! I will never forget when we took the RVs out and I crashed into a tree and he laughed! We have many special memories to cherish. Love you all. "
-Michelle, Brian, Katelyn and Alexis Carter -
"Aunt Betty and Tommy, I cannot imagine what you're going through right now. We wish we could be up there with you during this sad time. Even though we didn't see him often, due to distance, he was never far from our hearts and neither are y'all. I remember our latest trip to the UP where all of us were able to come, about 10 years ago. I remember Uncle Tom making us laugh while I was trying to learn the jet ski with tiny Audrey, age 3, so scared behind me. As soon as we stopped she wanted to go again right away. Morgan got splinters in all his fingers from the deck, age 6, and acted like he needed a hospital. I was so frustrated with him & Uncle Tom said he needed a drink from all Morgan's screaming. I said I needing one too and he replied that he'd have a drink for me. We've always wanted to come back! He will be greatly missed. Sending all our love and prayers. Love y'all, The Brandt Tom, Cynthia, Morgan and Audrey"
-Cynthia Brandt -
"Betty and Tommy. I wish to send my condolences to you from myself and all of my family. You were always good friends with my parents, Vern & Mary Lou. I have very fond memories of spending time at your house as well as time at your cottage on Corner Lake. My brother and my thoughts and prayers are with you. "
-Sue Buckland Meleski -
"Aunt Betty I'm so sorry ! I can't even imagine what your going thru !his spirit will be with and he will watch us every single day !stay positive God bless !"
-Donna lancour -
"betty, so sorry to hear of toms passing. you guys had a hell of a ride! I remember what tc said about the lake, he was the new guy and now he's the old guy. may he rest in peace. jim corner lake."
-jim sue raredon -
"Betty so sorry to hear about Tom. He was a great guy and will be missed on corner lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "
-Mark and Peri Coyne Young -
"Dear Grandma Betty, so sorry to hear of the passing of Grandpa TC. Have such great memories of him. He was a great man of whom I had great respect for. God bless... Rory Gabriel "
-Rory Gabriel
