Thomas Richard Griffith

In the morning of Wednesday, July 27th, Thomas Griffith, in the embrace of his beloved wife Sharon, went Home. Born in Batavia, NY on New Year’s, 1945 to Worth and Veronica Griffith, founders of W.W. Griffith Oil, Tom married his lifelong soulmate on August 28 ^th , 1965.

From these humble Western New York beginnings Tom began a 35-year career with Cooper Tires from 1967 – 2002, rising from salesman to senior leadership, seeing the world, and even forging a relationship with the golf-great Arnold Palmer. Of course, one cannot think of Tom without thinking of his Pittsburgh Steelers; whether storming the field after witnessing Franco Harris’ 1972 Immaculate Reception, carving a Terry Bradshaw cutout with his children in advance of Super Bowl XIII, or opening his living room every Sunday for his family, Tom’s love for his team united us for so many unforgettable moments. The same goes for his love for golf: it was more than a game. It was a way to bring together those he loved, especially his kids, grandkids, and weekly golf buddies. Together Tom and Sharon travelled the world, enjoyed golf, and made annual trips to Pittsburgh for a Steelers game.

Tom passed in peace. His waning days were difficult and yet rich with life. From his wheelchair he fulfilled a longing to putt and chip one last time—and even perused the pro shop to purchase a pink golf shirt he had so little time to wear. To the end, expressions of love for his family flowed from his heart.

Surviving Tom is his wife, Sharon; brothers, Jim (Polly) and Mike (Pat); sister, Barb (Neil); daughter, Tammi (Ray); sons, Todd (Tina) and Ryan (Kim); and grandchildren, Sam Griffith, Dani Schnebelen, Justin Schnebelen, Graham Griffith, Lauren Griffith, and Dylan Griffith. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, John Paul Griffith; half-brothers, Robert and Roger Griffith; half-sister, Mary Griffith Weber; and grandson, Thomas Schnebelen.

Family and friends will be received at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant St., Maumee, OH on Monday, August 1, 2022, from 5-8 PM. A Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 104 W Broadway St, Maumee, OH 43537, will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 10:15 AM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and Hospice of Northwest Ohio in memory of Thomas Griffith.

May the road rise to meet you, Papa. Safe travels home. We will join you further on.

And we will always—always—love you.