Thomas Eugene Brickley

Thomas Eugene Brickley, age 64, was called home by his Lord and Savior August 20, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He peacefully passed in the family home in Grandville, surrounded by his wife and children. Tom was born March 27, 1959, in Ludington, Michigan, the son to the late Marcella (Sally) and Richard (Dick) Brickley.

He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Janell (Fend) Brickley; cherished daughters and sons-in-law Andrea and Chase Walters, Lauren and Devin Schaefers; and grandson, Brooks Thomas Walters. He is also survived by his brothers James (Jim) Brickley and Richard (Rick) Brickley; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

He is now reunited with family that passed before him which includes his parents Richard and Marcella (Spader) Brickley; in-laws Albert (Sonny) and Bernadine Fend; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Willie Gamelin; sister-in-law, Barb (Richard) Brickley; and brothers-in-law Del Fend and Rory Fend.

Tom was a devoted husband and father. He was the ultimate “girl dad." Andrea and Lauren were the pride of his life. His joy multiplied when Chase and Devin joined the family, and he finally had the sons for whom he had been waiting. His most important role was the promotion to "Grandpa," in March, to Brooks Thomas Walters and expecting grandson Schaefers due in January 2024.

Tom was an avid music lover. His collection of music is both vast and diverse. One of his love languages was creating perfectly curated playlists for parties, road trips, or for specific people based on their music interests. So many memories were created attending countless concerts with friends and family. Tom also enjoyed attending major league and college sporting events with trips to the Big House being his all-time favorite. He loved fantasy football and was a commissioner of a league for more than 25 years with a group of dear friends. Some of his hobbies included playing golf and card games, being the family grill master, and taking an occasional trip to the casino. He treasured vacationing with Janell and the family. He enjoyed time spent at the family cottage where he could simply sit back and enjoy being surrounded with the people he loved. Tom was known for being a fierce lover of his people and would do anything to make them smile or laugh.

Tom graduated from Ludington High School in 1977 and then from Central Michigan University in 1982. He spent his entire career in the food vendor industry. He started with the Tombstone Pizza Company in 1986 which transitioned to the Kraft Pizza company and then retired from Frito Lay in 2016. Year after year, Tom received awards and accolades for his sales leadership, dedicated service, attention to the littlest of details, and being a role model and friend to his colleagues.

As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life, remembering the immense joy and love he brought to our lives. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with a sharing of memories beginning at 7 p.m. As a tribute to the amazing man Tom was, we ask you to consider sharing a memory during this time. If you knew Tom, you knew he was most often found in a band t-shirt, Michigan sweatshirt, or a golf shirt, so please feel free to wear something similar as an ode to Tom.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m. Friday, August 25, 2023 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418, with visitation from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Father Stephen will be presiding.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan where Tom once volunteered or Eastern Ottawa Young Life where Andrea is actively involved in bringing God’s word and love to our youth. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.