- Date Of Birth: May 11, 1946
- Date Of Death: July 3, 2022
- State: Indiana
On Sunday July 3, 2022, Thomas J. Voros, cousin, friend, #1Fan passed away in his sleep at the age of 76 at home in Mishawaka.
Tom was born in South Bend Indiana to Lillian (Lewinski) and John Voros. He attended St. Stanislaus Catholic School. In his early years, Tom worked alongside his father in a South Bend factory. After his father passed, Tom became a client of Logan Industries, then a client of A.W.S., which became Benchmark Human Services. Tom had many happy years being a member of Benchmark. He lived in a group home setting with his friends Everett Bordner and Joseph Strieler. Through the years, Tom had many staffs that were always patient and kind with him and became his family. They are Pontien Nibasumba, Miriam Kimani, Desire Nkurunziza, Brenda Kromah, Sister Agatha Komba, Roselyne Nahayo, Jean Rutayijana, Kenyone Williams, Jamie Williams, House Managers Parfait, Ava, Beth Bergen, along with the dedicated guidance from Brandon Feacel and Susan Stats.
Tom leaves behind his cousin and guardian Ken Cencelewski, along with many cousins and neighbors to cherish his memory.
Tom grew up in the heart of South Bend and had fond memories of the “Old Neighborhood.” He could recall everyone’s name and tell you which house they lived in. Tom was either on his bike or the Transpo bus. He rode the bus so much he knew every bus driver by name and every route by heart.
Tom loved sports! He was a huge fan of Notre Dame, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago White Sox. He knew players by name and could tell you their stats. He followed his cousins’ teams at Northwest Little league, Washington High School, and his cousin’s basketball team at Mishawaka High School. But his all-time favorite place was Matthy’s Little League! He would ride his bike to the ballpark and watch every game, cheer every player, and be excited for a win! After the cousins grew up and left little league, Tom stayed, riding his bike, and watching every game. After a few years, Tom was awarded and given a trophy for being the #1 Fan and was able to throw out the first pitch that year to start the season. He was never more proud or happy! He would retell the story many times like it just happened last week.
Tom participated in the Benchmark Day Program. He enjoyed the many activities and always spoke so fondly of Paige Decook, even when he broke the rules. He would call, he called every day, and say, “Oh Paige got mad at me today, but I apologized.” Tom also worked in their community programs. Here is where he met a wonderful man who became his friend, Kit Johnson. Together they delivered food for Meals on Wheels and took drives through the campus of Notre Dame.
Tom loved the holidays and decorated for each one of them, especially for Christmas. He loved the multi-color blinking lights! He wanted lights everywhere! He loved being with family during the holidays. He always enjoyed seeing everyone laughing and playing cards. A party was always better with Polish sausage!
Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, close friends, and roommate Everett, and his early support team: Aunt Joyce, Aunt Pat, and Aunt Janet.
If you are not able to attend the service, then go and watch a ball game, cheer and clap for every player, and oh yes, enjoy a piece of Polish Sausage!
