Thomas A. Heretta

On November 5, 2023, heaven opened the gates and welcomed Tom (a.k.a. ‘Bear’) Heretta. Tom was born on October 4th or October 5th, 1941, depending on whether our mother or his birth certificate was right.

Tom was preceded by his parents Joseph and Ann (Granchi) Heretta Sr., as well as his brother Joe Heretta Jr. Those remaining to miss him are his sister, Barb Heretta, brother, Chuck, Elaine (Gruhn), Melanie Gruhn, Monte (Hardman), Greg Gruhn, Nephew, Joe Heretta III, Godson, Quinn Tillett and his lifelong friend Gary Bresson, Barb (McHenry).

Tom played drums in the marching band in both Junior and Senior High School. He loved to drum with his fingers on the table, on the steering wheel while driving and at times just to annoy anyone around him. He continued this habit throughout his adult life.

Tom graduated from Glenwood High School in the class of 1959 in Canton Ohio. He proceeded to Ohio State University where he spent the next 11 years (with procrastination) acquiring a degree in architecture and a master’s in business.

Tom’s architecture career was varied but his time spent with the OSU Department of Architecture and OSU Athletic Department was his most memorable. He took pride in his participation in the renovation of ‘The Shoe’ and the construction of the Schottenstein Center.

In his younger years, Tom played softball every season. After his knees and other joints told him to stop, he coached both women’s and mixed teams. His favorite team sponsor was The Varsity Club, where Tom always bought several rounds for everyone.

Upon retirement, Tom’s exercise plan was to walk daily from his home on E. 18th Avenue to Buckeye Donuts and back. Happy Hours on Friday were spent with a regular crew of ‘old friends’ at the Little Bar.

Tom has always loved trains, especially steam engines. After Mass every Sunday, he could be found at Cooke Road and Indianola Avenue crossing waiting for and watching the trains. Tom was a devoted Catholic and for years was a faithful member of Holy Name Catholic Church.

Tom was well loved by his Grandview family. His ‘covered dish’ for Sunday supper was always a liquid refreshment. He always enjoyed a Grand Marnier with coffee or over vanilla ice cream.

Those of us who know, and love Tom knew he was a procrastinator, had strong opinions, some would say ‘bull-headed’ on certain topics but most of all he was the most generous and caring person.

For the past 18 months, Tom resided at First Community Village, in the health care center. Tom enjoyed going to the Therapy Department, where he benefitted from the physical and occupational therapy as well as the socialization and coffee. The nursing and direct care staff, in the Riverview Unit, provided exceptional care plus they sort of like him, as we all did.

A memorial service for Thomas will be held Friday, November 17, 2023 at 4:00 PM at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221, followed by a visitation until 6:30 PM. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.