Thomas William Gaffield

Thomas William Gaffield passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 88. Thomas was born on June 29, 1936, in Port Huron, Michigan, where he grew up. He then moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan to attend the University of Michigan and stayed throughout his family life and career.

Tom graduated from the University of Michigan with a Masters in Electrical Engineering.

Thomas worked as an electrical engineer at Bendix Corporation, Datamax Corporation, and Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM). His work included projects like seismometers that were used on Moon and Mars missions, also remote sensing electronics for radar imaging from aircraft. Tom was also involved in the initial uses of integrated circuits in electronics for the various applications he worked on.

Tom was served as a deacon at the First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor, and he was docent at Mathei Botanical Gardens. When his two boys were growing up, he was a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout leader. He had a passion for playing piano and organ. Tom helped put himself through college by playing piano and organ in various venues in Ann Arbor. He led the orchestras in the Thurston Players (for Thurston Elementary) and Pilgrim Players (for the First Congregational Church). He later frequently played the piano for residents in Glacier Hills and Silver Maples retirement homes.

Tom showed his love for the outdoors by gardening, hiking, and traveling throughout the United States and in Europe with the family and into retirement. Tom and Jeanette initiated the Gaffield Children’s Garden at Matthaei Botanical Garden.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Russell Gaffield and Marion Smith Gaffield.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Jeanette Urben Gaffield; his sons and their spouses, John T. Gaffield and Carrie L. Gaffield (spouse), Stephen J. Gaffield and Heather Curnutt (spouse); and three grandchildren, Kenneth M. Gaffield, Erich L. Gaffield, and Hazel Gaffield Curnutt.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Gilbert Residence, Avalon Healthcare, Diamond Healthcare, and St. Croix Hospice for the care and compassion they showed Thomas on his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. There will be a luncheon that will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Thomas Gaffield’s honor to any of the following charities:

The First Congregational Church in Ann Arbor

Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor

The Gilbert Residence (in Ypsilanti, Michigan)