Thomas Michael Hetzel

Thomas M. Hetzel, age 85, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away on May 1, 2025. Born on October 20, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the son of Frank and Mary Margarite Hetzel.

Tom graduated from Archbishop Curley High School in Miami, Florida, in 1957. At the age of 18, he began a long and successful 38-year career with Southern Bell, which later became BellSouth and is now AT&T. Starting from the bottom, he rose through the ranks to a management position before retiring at age 56.

A proud member of the Knights of Columbus during his years in Miami, Tom relocated to Georgia in 1988. He had a zest for life and enjoyed fishing, golfing, racing go-karts, and traveling. Known as the life of the party and the neighborhood mechanic, Tom’s greatest joy was spending time with his family—but we can’t forget his lifelong love of Disney World, where Big Al was his favorite character. He was also a diehard Miami Dolphins fan, always cheering for his team through thick and thin.

Tom shared 66 beautiful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Tonie, his high school sweetheart. Their love story was a testament to enduring commitment with so many cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Catherine Smith, brother Francis “Billy” Hetzel, and his beloved son, Thomas Jr. (“Tee”). He is survived by his wife Tonie; children Bo Hetzel (Janet), Diane Kays (Mark), K.C. Hetzel, and Theresa Gonzales (Jimmy); his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother James Hetzel (Sally); and sister Cecelia Schlagheck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, 4905 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30062.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice 360, 833 Campbell Hill St. NW, Ste 114, Marietta, GA 30060