OBITUARY

Thomas Joseph Kolesa

July 20, 1924 – January 4, 2021

Thomas Joseph Kolesa passed away at home on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the age of 96. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Thom was born on July 20, 1924 in Edwardsville, IL to Katherine and Frank Kolesa. He married Anita Rogers in 1942. They went on to have three children and were married for seventy-two years.

Thom served in the US Marines during WWII with a deployment to Okinawa. He later went on to work as a mechanical engineer after the war and retired from the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.

Thom led an experience-filled life and had a passion for travel. He published two books and volunteered at the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. He never met a stranger and would make a point to speak to other veterans whenever the situation arose. Thom was active in church and always took joy in helping others.

Thom is survived by two children, Leslie Kolesa and Tim Kolesa, his friend, Suzi Lanier, his grandchildren, Ronnie Weiand, Corey Weiand, Anthony Kolesa, and Dylan Kolesa, his great-grandchildren, Seth Ockert, Felix Kolesa, Cameron Kolesa, Kaleigh Weiand, and Emma Weiand, and his great-great-grandchildren, Brantley Ockert and Brayden Ockert. Thom was preceded in death by his wife Anita, his son, Rev. Scott Kolesa, and his brothers, Frank Kolesa Jr., John Kolesa, and Roy Kolesa.

A celebration of Thom’s life will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Good Shepherd Church in Metairie. Visitation will be held from 9AM-11AM with a service to begin at 11AM. If you would like to view the service online, please call (504)534-8811 to receive instructions.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Thom’s honor to the Veterans support charity of your choice.

To view the services please visit, https://youtu.be/CHAIAKXMlvY at 11AM CST

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  • Visitation

    Saturday, January 16, 2021

  • Memorial Mass

    Saturday, January 16, 2021

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Thomas Joseph Kolesa

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Patti Brown

January 16, 2021

Thom and Anita were some of the nicest, most interesting people I have known. They were friends of my parents for over 60 years. When my daughter started school at Tulane I introduced her and asked them to be a local contact that she could call if she had an emergency. They treated her like family, introduced her to Mardi Gras traditions and made her feel at home. Thom will be missed by many family and friends. He was always upbeat and active. My parents, daughter and I all send our sincere sympathy to the family.

Dylan Kolesa

January 16, 2021

Grandpa was an incredibly accepting, kind, and supportive figure in my life. I always felt his love for me was unconditional even though he often had a quiet way of showing it. I am very thankful that he was able to find so much joy in his last years through his companionship with Suzi.

Corey Weiand

January 16, 2021

Grandpa Thomas Kolesa was a wonderfully kind, honest, giving, sincere, strong, loving man that will be missed by this world. I know he will continue his incredible journey through life and beyond.
I am honored to be his grandson.

Tom Purdy

January 14, 2021

During our association at the Chamber, New Orleans and the River Region, I valued Tom as a man of integrity who was a good listener and a very hard worker. His deep faith in the Holy God and his deep love for Anita and his family was always evident.
Tom Purdy

gary rogers

January 14, 2021

Uncle Thom was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. As we were growing up, Thom and Aunt Anita were very special to our family, and Thom's compassion for our Mother during her late years left a lasting memory with me regarding his perspective on wanting to maintain a positive outlook on life and always being kind to others.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Tim and Leslie and their families, and also to Susie for being a kind friend to Thom in his final years.
While his passing is a great loss to all that knew him, he will always be remembered for his integrity, professionalism, and humanity.

Keith Rogers

January 14, 2021

We will miss you Uncle Thom.
We learned so much about our family because of your diligence and fascination for ancestry; and for your steadfast love to Aunt Anita and all those around you.
You were and “are” a shining example of Marines and veterans. There is no such thing as a former Marine. Always serving God and country; preserving peace; protecting “our” country.
Here’s a sharp snappy salute from me.
Semper Fi
- Keith, Marian, Evan & Bryce

TIMOTHY KOLESA

January 14, 2021

Uncle Thom and Jake

TIMOTHY KOLESA

January 14, 2021

Brothers John, Thom and Roy

Denise Matthews

January 13, 2021

Uncle Thom was a very special person. He will be missed terribly by our family. I have been truly blessed to be his niece and to have shared so may great memories and years with him.

Rebecca Estopinal

January 12, 2021

It was a privilege and pleasure knowing Thom. He was a very giving person and very easy to talk to. My condolences to the family. Suzi, Thom was very fortunate to have you in his life. Know Thom cherished your companionship.

FROM THE FAMILY