W. Thomas “Tom” Hoban

07/27/1931

09/24/2022

Memorial Contributions:

St. Stephen Catholic School

750 Gladstone Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506

or

American Red Cross of West Michigan

3886 Broadmoor Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI  49512

W. Thomas “Tom” Hoban of East Grand Rapids died Saturday, September 24, 2022. The son of Dougal and Mary Hoban, he was born in Grand Rapids on July 27, 1931.

Tom spent most of his life in Grand Rapids/East Grand Rapids. He spoke often about growing up on Sigsbee Street, swimming from the old nurses’ dock at Fisk Lake, and watching the balloon ascensions from the Ramona Amusement Park on Reeds Lake. Tom had many cherished memories of attending St Stephen Catholic School and Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Tom was a veteran of the Korean War. He served in the United States Navy, where in 1952, he was chosen to be “Honor Man” of Company 52-52. Tom had a successful career in the finance industry. He spent nearly 30 years with Chrysler Credit Corporation in a senior management position, and retired in 1993.

When Tom retired, he devoted himself to many different passions. In September 1997, Tom’s life changed, when he survived a sudden cardiac death. Following his recovery, Tom taught CPR Training and he served on the Board for the American Red Cross of West Michigan, where he was honored as Citizen of the Year. Proud of his Irish heritage, he enjoyed traveling to Ireland and retracing his family origin back to County Mayo. Throughout the years, he became close to several of his Irish cousins, especially, Michael and Nora Hoban, who warmly welcomed him and his family into their home on many occasions. In 2008, he obtained his Irish citizenship. In addition to his travels to Ireland, Tom and his wife, Alyce, were avid travelers. They traveled throughout the world and the USA. Most important to Tom was spending time with family, especially summers in Leland.

Our dad, Tom, saw the goodness in people and the beauty of the world around him. He enjoyed working hard and having quiet conversations with anyone. His faith, while not showy, was always strong. Tom and Alyce will be deeply missed by their family and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Alyce M. Hoban, who died on June 16, 2022; parents, Dougal & Mary Hoban; brothers, Douglas Hoban, James Hoban; and sister, Nancy H. Fronczak. Tom is survived by his children, Susan H. (Greg) Workman, Bonnie (Dan) Auer, Thomas Q. (Diane) Hoban, Sally J. Hoban; grandchildren, Alyson, Elizabeth, and Greg Workman, Callum (Rebecca), and Sawyer (Kelsey Burns) Auer, Thomas Q. II, and Emily Hoban; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 PM Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 750 Gladstone Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 with visitation one hour prior. Monsignor Ernie Schneider presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen Catholic School, 750 Gladstone Dr SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or the American Red Cross of West Michigan, 3886 Broadmoor Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI  49512.

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One Response

  1. I always enjoyed my time with Tom and the entire Hoban family when visiting Leland. He and Alyce generously welcomed my family to visit whenever we were nearby. Tom always greeted me with a firm handshake and a big smile. Talking with him was so interesting, given all the life experiences he’d had. Losing Tom so soon after Alyce is a difficult tribute to their decades together.

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