Thomas Hugh Gorey

Thomas Hugh Gorey passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020, at the age of 85 at his home in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Thomas and Josephine Gorey. He was the beloved husband of the late Hedy for over 53 years.

Together they raised four daughters - Jo-Anne Satterly (William), Kathryn Buhlinger (Daniel), Theresa Sylvain (the late David), and Nancy Greenwood (Christopher). He was a cherished grandfather to Carly, Tenielle, the late Thomas, Joseph, Brittany, Ryan, Danielle, Sean, Savannah, Mackenzie, Daniel; and great-grandfather to Winifred. He was a devoted member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic church.

Tom and Hedy were married for 53 years. He was born in Brooklyn and grew up in Queens Village, part of a large Catholic family of 7 children. He met his wife Hedy, who was also from a big Catholic family, one of 6 children. Soon after they were married, they moved to Michigan and with their 4 daughters, attended St Joan of Arc for over 50 years. He showed his faith in the way he was always there for his family, for his coworkers and for his friends.

He was a big hearted, no bull, lots of kindness guy. He was quick witted, quick with a smile, but his greatest talent was the ability to tell a story. He had an Irishman’s love of jokes and tales and kept any group he joined laughing and singing.

In his younger years, he grew up just blocks from the Belmont racetrack and enjoyed many a day with his father and brothers watching the ponies. Tom was a manager of regional group insurance sales for 35 years. His success in his work allowed him to retire young and he enjoyed his new free time in many ways – reading, studying history and traveling with Hedy. The birds and animals of the neighborhood benefited for years to come with their myriad of bird houses, bird baths and an amazingly wide variety of things he fed them to eat. He and Hedy also enjoyed supporting their local casinos from time to time.

Overall, his priority was his family - dinners together each night, family vacations each summer. They spent many happy weeks sitting by the campfires of Reed Ranch, canoeing around Higgins Lake, dancing in talent shows of Sunnybrook Farms. But their favorites were the car trips to New York in the summers to visit with all their extended family there. Great stories and memories they will have forever.

Mr. Gorey will lie in state Monday 9:30 am until time of funeral Mass at 10 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack, St. Clair Shores. The Mass will be for the immediate family only please, but will also be available via live stream at https://sjascs.org/st-joan-live .