Thomas “Tom” A. Pearson, age 80, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, July 31, 2023 at his home.
Tom was born on November 17, 1942, in Sault Ste Marie, MI, the son of Rudolph S. And Mathilda C. Pearson (Durant).
Tom grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. He attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI and Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, earning two Bachelor of Science degrees in Business. Tom was an accountant at Lake Superior State University and also at Rust Engineering in Escanaba, MI. As well, Tom was an iron ore sampler at the Escanaba ore docks. Tom served in the National Guard as a Combat Engineer.
Tom married Darlene (Little) on June 17, 1967, at Holy Name of Mary Pro-Cathedral in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Tom enjoyed his Catholic faith, nature, fishing, sports, music, and spending time with his family. Tom loved walking with his family and identifying and appreciating the plants and animals. He especially loved peonies and song birds. His sports heroes were Al Kaline and Gordie Howe. He had many fishing adventures with his sons Jim, Dave and Steve and son-in-law, Vladimir. Tom enjoyed singing and playing guitar with his family, especially when his daughter, Debbie, played the piano. Tom loved attending mass with Debbie and grandchildren, Alexander and Anna at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba, where he was a member. Tom was loving, thoughtful, attentive and kind.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Darlene of Escanaba; children James (Roberta) Pearson of Kalamazoo, David (Dawn) Pearson of Kalamazoo, Steven Pearson of Escanaba, and Debbie (Vladimir) Valioukevitch of Rochester, MN; brother John (Barbara) Pearson of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Jason, Scott, Audrey, Olivia, Emily, Alexander, Anna, and Max.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Mathilda, as well as his parents-in-law Howard and Roseanna Little.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at Skradski Funeral Home in Escanaba from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Tom will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Sault Ste Marie.
Jean Hanson - Rochester , Mn
Deb, I’m so sorry to read of your dad’s death. He sounds like such a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. I’m thinking of you all with love. Jean
phillip g desormeaux - Avilla, IN
i grew up with tom in the soo. we both live on eureka st. shared birthday same month. sorry for your loss
Liz Reed - El Paso, TX
My heart breaks for the entire family. Tom was an amazing human being and I fondly recall the times I interacted with him. From hanging out at their house, sitting around the kitchen table drinking tea, or eating something delicious that Dar or Steve made, to being together with the Pearson family downstate Michigan, to Tom, Steve and Dar picking me up from the ER, to our adventure at the DeYoung Family Zoo, you will be deeply missed, Tom! Thank you for teaching us so much. Rest easy!
Joyce Henderson - Sault Ste. Marie, MI
Dear Darlene and Family:
Thinking of you in this time of your loss.
Keeping you in prayers for peace and comfort.
With deepest sympathy,
Pat Roe - Sault Ste Marie , MI
Darlene and Family,
Roger and I are so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences. We both got to know Tom on a personal level as I worked with him at LSSU, and Tom and Roger served together in the military. So sorry for your loss; he will be missed.
Chris Holmes - Escanaba, MI
I got to know Tom when he took some classes at Bay. A super guy and I always enjoyed his spirit. Peace and love to the family.
Mary Sylvester - Warren, MI
I was privileged to graduate with Tom with the Soo High class of 1960 . We attended Lake Superior State U ( called Soo Tech in 1960 ) with a bunch of our classmates from 1960-62 & transferred to NMU for our last 2 years . While we were at Northern , Tom would post a note that he was driving home to the Soo for the holidays & we could ride with him for $5.00 . I did not own a car , so I was so grateful to have a ride home! We lost touch after all of us NMU grads scattered on our separate ways but we always enjoyed seeing each other at our class reunions, along with his brother , John . Heaven has gained a wonderful new Angel . May God wrap His arms around all of you during this sad time . With Sincerest Sympathy, Mary Ray Sylvester
Scott and Julie Williams - Rapid River, Mi
Dear Dar and family, we are heartbroken at the sad news of Toms passing. He was such a kind, and humble man who loved his family dearly and shared that caring attitude with those he met. We were blessed to have Tom and your family for neighbors for 30 years and will always treasure those memories. Sending prayers and love to all of your family.
Julie Williams - Rapid River,, Mi
Our deepest sympathies to Toms family, he was such a caring, kind person and we were blessed to have been your neighbors for 30 yrs., we couldn’t have asked for better neighbors or friends. We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Aunt Cindy - Galesburg, MI
Dave and family: So very sorry to hear about your dad…I enjoyed reading the tributes, what a wonderful man! Know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.