THOMAS B. HARDY

THOMAS B. HARDY, age 90. Beloved husband of 67 years to Marianne (nee Manzatt); loving father of Janice Rice (Kevin), Tom Hardy (Patty) and Sean Hardy (Teresa); adoring grandfather of Nathan Rice, Ali DiCerbo (Chris), Thomas "Liam" Hardy, Graham Hardy, Reagan Naughton (Michael), Iain Hardy and Aidan Hardy; son of the late Jean (nee McNamara) and Thomas Hardy; brother of Rosemary Jacko (Cyril) (both deceased), Coletta Strebelow (deceased), Margaret Adlard (Charles) (both deceased) and Loretta Verhiley (Harry, deceased); uncle and friend of many. Passed away peacefully September 28, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was a proud graduate of St. Edward High School Class of 1955. Where he played football as a running back, guard, and punter. His connection to St. Edward remained strong throughout his life, and he was an ardent supporter of the school until the end.

Serving in the U.S. Army, he was reactivated and stationed at Fort Eustis nourishing the troops with food and humor during the Berlin Crisis.

Together with his wife Marianne, they built a life defined by deep faith, wholehearted commitment, and an unwavering devotion to their family. A natural host with a generous spirit, Tom was happiest when opening his home to others while hosting lively backyard gatherings and sharing good food, a continuous bar and laughter with lifelong friends.

Many in the Westlake community benefited from his selflessness. Tom was instrumental in creating and coaching the Westlake Junior All Stars football league, winning multiple championships and remaining active as a coach beyond his own sons’ playing time. Always willing to roll up his sleeves, he volunteered his time and talents with multiple organizations throughout Westlake and the Irish Community, serving as a board member of the Irish American Charitable Foundation. His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, receiving the Sun Newspaper’s Sun Family award in 1977 and the Town Crier’s Mr. and Mrs. Westlake award in 1987.

Unafraid of hard work, Tom began his career as a journeyman bricklayer. Leveraging his knowledge in the construction industry, he then represented Pfizer’s building supply division as a salesman and eventually took over the reins as national sales manager of United States Gypsum’s Pigments, Minerals, and Metals Division. Throughout his career he mentored and developed many who paid him the ultimate compliment by becoming his lifelong friends. After retiring from USG in 1995, his relentless work ethic drove him to start his own business as a manufacturer’s representative for over a dozen companies in Canada and the United States. Reluctantly, he decided to retire just five days before his passing.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and physical therapists at the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals and the Fresnius Dialysis of Westlake for their special care of Tom over the years. Also, to the staff at Ames Family Hospice for their care of Tom.

Funeral Mass Saturday, October 3, St. Raphael Church (525 Dover Center Rd.) at 10:00 AM. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Entombment Lakewood Park Cemetery. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of NORTH OLMSTED, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS FRIDAY 2-7 PM. Although appreciated, please no flowers. The family suggests contributions to the Thomas B. Hardy Scholarship, C/O St. Edward High School, 13500 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, OH 44107.