Tom Cerny

Robert Thomas “Tom” Cerny, 81, whose life was defined by family, faith, service, and an unwavering commitment to others, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, after a brief illness. Always committed to being and sharing the light, he’s now at rest and leaves us to be and share the light.

Tom was a people person who never knew a stranger. He was sincerely interested in others and always ready to help in any way he could. Family grace often reminded us to be “mindful of the wants and needs of others,” and he surely was. If you weren’t sure where he was, it was a safe bet that he was doing something for someone else--mowing a lawn, researching a question, pre-flighting a car, checking a furnace, offering advice, organizing an outing for the church, or simply lending an ear or a helping hand. When he wasn’t busy helping, you’d find him keeping up with the news, playing or watching golf, sailing or fishing, or having “coffee with the guys.” Fellowship was his favorite pastime, no matter the form. To know Tom was to know a friend. To be with Tom was to see a bright smile and to hear his signature phrase, “gee, whiz.”

Tom prioritized staying connected with family—and the friends who became family—no matter the distance. He never missed a wedding, birthday, graduation, or memorial, always bringing his smile, warmth, and joy, delighting in a chance for a “good visit”. On their winter road trips south, he and Carol planned their route around visiting loved ones, knowing every detour was time well spent.

Tom was a man of great faith grounded in his love for others. A long-time member of the Grand Blanc United Methodist Church, he led the church finance committee and was a faithful member of the Administrative Council. He was a Stephen Minister, attended the Annual Conference for many years, and was a member of the East Winds District Committee on Ordained Ministry. He loved interviewing candidates for ordination and local pastors. He participated in Seasoned Citizens and the United Methodist Men’s group, coordinated many Tigers and Lugnuts outings, and always looked forward to the annual Salvation Army “Fill the Kettle” campaigns. He loved ringing the bell!

Born in Southbridge, MA on August 14, 1943, Tom graduated from Mary E. Wells High School in 1961. He earned a B.S. in psychology (1965) and an M.Ed. in counseling and student personnel (1966) from Springfield College (MA), where he met the love of his life, Carol. They married the day after Christmas in 1966, and later welcomed daughter Jen and son Rob.

Tom loved his country and joined the Navy. After attending Officer Training School in 1966, he and Carol moved to Long Beach, CA ahead of Tom’s active duty aboard Destroyer USS Rupertus (DD 851). After returning from Vietnam, Tom and Carol moved to Kodiak, AK, where Tom was Assistant Plans Officer for the Commander Alaskan Sea Frontier. In 1969 Tom moved to the Navy Reserves, retiring as a Captain in 1993.

After leaving Kodiak and the lifelong friends made there, Tom began his second career, this time in education. He began as an Assistant Director of Admissions at the SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry in Syracuse, NY. In 1973, he and Carol moved to the Bronx, where Tom became the Director of Admissions at the Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. In 1987, he took on the same role at GMI (now Kettering University) in Flint. Wherever he worked, Tom’s deep care for others was evident in how he guided students with compassion, helping them uncover their strengths and shape their paths in life.

Retirement in 2004 brought Tom to one of his most important roles in life: caregiving for and supporting Carol as she struggled with emphysema while awaiting a lung transplant. Following her life-saving transplant, Tom and Carol became passionate advocates for organ and tissue donation. Inspired by their own journey with transplant, they enjoyed mentoring lung transplant candidates, patients, and their families with hope and understanding. Grateful for the compassionate care from the University of Michigan Hospital System, Tom and Carol served on many committees in its Patient Family Centered Care Initiative, including the Nursing Division’s Evidence-Based Standards Committee, where they were strong advocates for patient and family voices. As steadfast members of Team Michigan for the Transplant Games of America, they cherished the sense of community that comes from the experience of giving and receiving the gift of life.

In his second very active retirement, Tom volunteered for many years supporting the Flint Regional Science Fair, the Michigan STEM Partnership Initiative, and the Design and Manufacturing Alliance. He cherished his affiliation with the Retired Men’s Fellowship of Greater Flint, where he enjoyed organizing and attending programs, and serving a term as its president. Despite a general suspicion of technology, he took great pride in ensuring that Zoom made it possible to keep everyone connected during COVID and afterward committed to hosting a Zoom option for live meetings ensuring no one missed out. He loved connecting others and being connected.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Hans Cerny; his sister, Carol Crout; and brother-in-law, Don Crout. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol; daughter Jen (Jack); son Rob (Jessica and her daughter, Bella); nephew Gregory (Kerri and their daughter, Addyson); and countless friends who became family.

In lieu of flowers, honor Tom’s legacy by sharing your light. Perform a kind act, lend a helping hand, or brighten someone’s day--especially with a nod and a smile to the Bell Ringers in Tom’s memory. Donations may be made to Gift of Life Michigan (or to the Salvation Army Kettles).

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, February 1, at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m. Meal and fellowship to follow.