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In Memory of
Thomas Keith
Gerace
1936 - 2016
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Obituary for Thomas Keith Gerace

THOMAS KEITH GERACE, 79

COLUMBUS – Thomas Keith Gerace passed away Wednesday morning, June 1, 2016, just a few months shy of his 80th birthday.

As a boy growing up in East Liverpool, Tom lived with his parents, the late M. James Gerace and Maxine Hindes Gerace and older brother, James. His mother fell ill and passed away when Tom was just seven years old. Soon after, Tom went to live with his grandmother, Anna Martino Gerace. His new home on West Sixth Street was just a few blocks away from the family grocery store he would one day inherit, Gerace's Market. His grandmother spoke mostly Italian, so there were definite communication challenges. He used to say that most of the Italian she taught him was forgotten, with the exception of few words that should not be repeated. However, he also shared that he would never forget his grandmother's kindness or the sacrifices she made to positively impact his life.

Tom graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1954 and then advanced his education at Kent State University before returning to work at the family store. He also worked at Crucible Steel in the late 1950's. Tom saw both active and reserve duty with the U. S. Army as a Tank Commander. When Tom returned from the service, he married Lynn Anderson. They raised a family and shared in the responsibilities of running the family business. They divorced after 21 years, yet despite their differences in marriage, they maintained a lifelong friendship until Lynn's passing in 2008. Tom was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church (now Holy Trinity) and was a close friend to Father Esposito. Tom, never short on ways to stir up trouble, loved to stand at the back of the church during Sunday mass and point to his watch when he felt Father's sermons were going just a little too long.

In East Liverpool, he was a member of the Elks Lodge #258 and the Jaycees. He continued his support of East Liverpool Athletics, the ELHS Alumni Association, the Lou Holtz/Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, the Knights of Columbus, and the East Liverpool Rotary Club. His life took an interesting and significant turn in 1971 when Ohio Attorney General William J. Brown offered him a position in the claims division of his administration. After years of travelling hundreds of miles to and from work weekly, in 1978, Tom moved his family to Columbus, Ohio. He was promoted to Chief of Claims, where he served until 1987. He then became the Superintendent of Unclaimed Funds in The Ohio Department of Commerce. Retiring more times than some famous athletes, he continued working for the state off and on and most recently retired for the last time in 2010. He was a member of the liturgy committee and church council at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Columbus. He also volunteered as a Eucharist Minister and Sacristan.

He leaves behind a son, Jeffrey Gerace, and his wife, Christy, of Dublin, OH, and a daughter, Cheryl Gerace Bassitt, and her husband, Bob Poteete, of Fairfield, OH. Tom will also be missed by his four grandsons, Tony Gerace and his wife, Kendra, Vince Gerace, Brian Bassitt, and David Bassitt, as well as his two granddaughters, Miranda Gerace and Tori Gerace Blain, and his great-grandson, Jackson Blain. Tom requested we also mention his faithful canine and world's smartest dog, Clyde, who held a special place in the hearts of many.

Tom had an infinite energy and a passion for life. He was always ready for a new adventure and loved meeting new people. Most importantly, Tom cherished the many wonderful friends and lasting friendships he had during his 79 years. We know he is on his next adventure, undoubtedly having dinner with his old friend, Bill Brown and making a new friend with St. Peter. A special note: the family would like to thank Patricia Morris, also native to East Liverpool, for her comfort and support to Tom and his family during his final months.

Friends may visit 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio, 43085.

Additional visitation and services will be held at the Dawson Funeral Home in East Liverpool on Tuesday, June 7. Friends may visit from 5 -7 p.m. with a service starting at 7 p.m. with Fr. Melvin Rusnak. Following the service, family and friends will gather at the Dawson Family Center for fellowship. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Kobacker House at www.ohiohealth.com/foundation-hospice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Keith Gerace, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

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