Thomas D. Syperski

Thomas Duane Syperski, age 65, of Sylvania, Ohio passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Ebeid Hospice Residence, Sylvania after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. Tom was born on March 25, 1944 in Port Clinton, Ohio to Louis Duane and Betty Jane Syperski. He graduated from St. Francis deSales High School in 1962 and then attended Toledo University until the death of his father in 1964. Tom then honed his bartending skills at the family business, the Ko-Z Club Bar and Restaurant on Central Avenue near Reynolds Road. He was in the Navy during the Viet Nam War and he served as an instructor of Photography. Tom joined Owens-Illinois in 1970 as a Manager of New Product Development. He was instrumental in the development of, and received a patent for, Plasti-shield labels for beverage bottles. He retired from O-I in 1996 as Manager of Marketing and International Sales in the Label Division. Tom married the love of his life, Alice, on October 23, 1971. They were devoted partners as they traveled the road of life while forging many close friendships along the way. Tom and Alice enjoyed the times they spent at their cottage at Vineyard Lake in the Irish Hills of Michigan, and visiting family and friends around the country. Tom also became an avid golfer after his retirement, oversaw the refurbishment of his Austin Healey, and was always available to help a friend in need. One of Toms finest endeavors was his work with the Lathrop House. This home has been linked to the Underground Railroad, and when it was set to be torn down, Tom was instrumental in halting the demolishment, and then relocating the house to its present site at Harroun Park where it is being restored to serve as a piece of history for all to visit. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Alice L. Thompson Syperski. He is also survived by his sisters, Judith Thomas Furry of Navarre, Fl; Jane Tim Gore of Naperville, IL; his cousin Thomas Enderbury of Bowling Green, OH; his sister-in-law Ann Bill Achinger of Woodhaven, MI; and his brother-in-law Bill Donna Thompson of Sylvania; his nieces and nephews, Laura Mike Thomas of Panama City, FL, Susan Willie Rittenhouse of Navarre, FL, Thomas Amber Furry of Pensacola, FL; Brian Katie Gore of Palatine, IL, Sarah Ryan Cain of Elgin, IL, Kyle Gore of Naperville, IL; Mark Deb Achinger of Sylvania; Linda John Conz of Ft. Wayne, IN; David Achinger of Sterling Heights, MI; Sue Thompson of Toledo; Bob Thompson of Toledo; Sharon KeithBrower of Iowa; Jim Thompson of Nebraska; Cathy Oberle of Toledo; Mary Matt Carena of Temperence, MI; and Jonathon Sue Knapp of Toledo. He was preceded in death by his parents, L. Duane and Betty Jane Smith Syperski Reinhart, and also his parents-in-law Harry and Margaret Thompson. He also leaves behind the best cat in the world, Hobie. Friends may visit the family from Wednesday, December 2, 2009 from 2-8:00pm with a 7:00pm Scripture Service at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Avenue west of Corey Road. Funeral services will begin on Thursday with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Joseph Church, Sylvania. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com. Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider The Friends of the Lathrop House, 6751 Convent Blvd. Sylvania, OH 43560, Attn: Sue McHugh.