In Memory

Thomas Puchowski (Parry)

Thomas Kenneth Parry, age 63 of Crown Point, IN passed away December 23, 2016. He graduated from Hobart High School, Purdue University, and Valparaiso University Law School. Tom was a member and officer of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and of MENSA, IN licensed EMT, amateur radio operator, IN Civil Air Patrol and Red Cross of NWI volunteer, member of Rusty Pipes Band for several years. He retired as a Lt. Commander in the Navy after serving for 19 years. Tom was a practicing law attorney for 30 years in Hobart, Merrillville and Crown Point. He was a City Council Attorney for Lake Station, sat as Special Judge in Lake Co. for several years, and a Public Defender for Hobart and Lake Station City Courts. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Mary Beth (nee Sapper) Parry; loving father of Christine (Jim) Boudro and Lt. John (Amanda) Parry; sisters: Kate Parry and Sue (Keith) Findley; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Marilyn Puchowski. The family would like to thank the following at Hines Veteran's Hospital: Surgical Team- 2nd floor, Surgical ICU-2nd floor, Medical ICU-2nd floor, Staff, Doctors, and Nurses- 7th floor west, Physical Therapy- Building 200, Prosthetic Team Building 228, Kidney Dialysis Staff-6th floor, Social Services, and Palliative Care Team. Our hearts will always be grateful to the Nurses, Doctors and floor staff on the 8th floor of Hines Veteran's Hospital. Their exceptional care, compassion, and kindness to Tom will be remembered by his family during his final time on earth. The family respectfully requests prayers and the funeral service and visitation will be private. Arrangements have been entrusted to Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point, IN. www.burnsfuneral.com In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 250 S. Indiana Ave, Crown Point, IN or Hines Fisher House, 5000 S. 5th Ave, Hines, IL 60141. 



 
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01/04/17 12:39 PM #1    

Wayne Belsha

I was sorry to hear of Tom's passing.

We had a couple of classes together.

I didn't know him real well, but he always seemed like an ok guy to me.

My sympathy to his family, and friends.


01/04/17 05:12 PM #2    

Debbie Reynolds

As all of you know, Tom was my first steady when we were about 15. He was a really great guy. I know that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Prayers for his family.

01/05/17 07:28 AM #3    

Gary Lower

So saddened to hear of Tom's passing.  He really enjoyed flying, and I remember enjoying many Sunday afternoons in a rented Piper Cherokee with him and Mark Wineinger.  Good times.  


01/05/17 11:57 AM #4    

Terry Metz

Tom and I spent many summers playing tennis and swimming.  He had an intelligent and curious mind that led him into many interests, including following his father’s footsteps into law.  As often happens, our interest drifted over time and we lost touch, which is a shame.  He was a good friend and a good man.


01/06/17 10:46 PM #5    

Philip MacDonald

Ahhh, Geeze.  Another of us bites the dust.

~~~~~

I remember back @HHS some upperclasswoman, who had a fondness for Tom, used to call him "Poochie", no doubt after his original surname (Puchowski.)  I  thought it was a riot!  POOCHIE?  OH, PLEASE!!!  :-)

Tom was a serious nerd.  We were both interested in electronics to a great degree. 

When his parents installed that pool in the back yard of their house, Tom, Metz, Karl Luken, and sometimes Jerry Curtis and I used to spend endless summer afternoons there.  His mom always made us lunch.  What memories; WHAT FREAKIN' MEMORIES!!!

My favorite Puchowski story was the ever present St. Patrick's Day.  Every year, Tom would wear green, and a name tag that read "O'Puchowski."  What a freakin' crazy man!!!  He would go on and on about his "Irish" ancestry"; it was a truly SERIOUS HOOT to hear this guy carry on this way.  It was such a load of absolutely intentional bullshit that it was awesomely entertaining.

Yep.  I went up in planes with him.  (Some of the experiences were kind of frightening... taking off from Hobart Airport with a foot or so of snow on the runway, and missing the southern end tree tops by ten or so feet?  SH_T a brick dudes!)

What is truly weird is that we were both at Purdue at the same time, and I can't EVER recall running into him.  About half of our classmates that went to college went to Purdue, and I ran into all of them except for Tom.

Tom was always so "low keyed."  You'd have to look him in the eye to figure if he was screwing around with your brain; I loved it.  He was so laid back, but I guess it was just a FRONT, judging from his lifetime accomplishments.  Wow.

I am bewildered by his employment history posted here:  19 years in the US Navy, and 30 years practicing law?  How can a guy who is 63 do all of that (and go to college + law school?) unless his Navy career (reserves, perhaps?) overlapped his legal career.  I'd love to hear from anybody that can rectify this confusion for me.

I shall miss this man.

 


01/07/17 10:16 AM #6    

Jerry Curtis

 I am very sad to hear about Tom. Yes, I remember those pool parties at his house, and I know we also flew a couple of flights together too in those days. I remember how intelligent he was, and I know he did kindle my interest in subjects such as electronics and Aviation. I always enjoyed being around Tom. I am not surprised, but very impressed with his lifetime accomplishments. I can see he had quite a full life. It was wonderful to know him and grow up alongside him.  Please accept my prayers for comfort to his family.

Rest in peace, Tom.

 

 


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