With profound sadness we announce that Deacon Thomas J. Carter, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of his community, passed away on June 18, 2025, at the age of 79. Tom lived a life defined by his unwavering love for his family, his deep faith, and his dedication to those around him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of nearly 41 years, Mary Ann, his son Tom (Becky) and Jen (Todd) Hamilton. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Zachary, Emily and Cassidy Hamilton and Jacob and Alex Carter. His brothers Jim (Pamela) and John (Diane) and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Francis Carter and his brothers, Chuck (Peggy) and Robert (Karen).
Tom was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 22, 1945. He was a graduate of De La Salle Collegiate (’63), a service member of the United States Army and was ordained in 2008 as a Deacon with the Archdiocese of Detroit. He served at St Paul of Tarsus, Clinton Township and St. Isidore Catholic Communities.
Tom and Mary Ann (Paja) were united in marriage on August 11, 1984, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. They enjoyed early retirement from AT&T and their love for travel, with Hawaii holding a special place in his heart as a favorite destination. He often shared stories of the islands’ beauty and the joy of exploring them with his loved ones. Closer to home, Tom took to the links for rounds of golf and his annual fishing trips to Drummond Island. He took immense pride in his grandchildren; from coaching at the hockey rink, to baseball diamonds, to the recital stage and cheer competitions, these times brought him immense happiness and left a lasting impression on his family.
Tom’s life was a testament to the values of faith, family, and service and his legacy will be treasured by all who knew him. Tom will be deeply missed, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched with his warmth, devotion, and love.
A visitation for Thomas will be held Monday, June 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township, with a scripture service Monday evening at 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 18201 23 Mile Rd, Macomb, MI 48042. Friends may visit the church on Tuesday beginning at 9:30 AM. Thomas will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Southfield, MI.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207 and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741, in Deacon Tom’s memor