Thomas ‘Tom’ Michael Odorcich II – Lake Orion, Mich., formerly of McKeesport
Oct. 8, 1940 – Nov. 14, 2020
This is the story of Thomas “Tom” Michael Odorcich II. He was a wonderful man that was loved, is missed and will always be cherished. Tom’s story started on Oct. 8, 1940, in McKeesport, the oldest child to Thomas and Helen Wasko Odorcich. Tom was preceded to his next journey by his parents, infant sister and another sister, Kris Baldridge. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Debbie Pike Odorcich; daughter, Jennifer Sheftic and partner Todd Wasson of Florida; son, Thomas “Tom” III of the state of Washington; brothers, Robert (Diane) and Ronald (Anna) Odorcich and brother-in-law, Robert Baldridge, all of Pennsylvania; two granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; several brothers and sisters-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom graduated from McKeesport High School and California University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation, he served in the United States Air Force. While living in Pennsylvania, Tom worked as a machinist in the steel mills at Homestead Works and as a machinist at Mac Trucking. Later, he moved to Michigan and was an engineer with Ford Motor Company. Tom spent 34-plus years with Ford, starting off as a staff engineer and quickly becoming the lead engineer on projects such as the old Dept 96. His final project before retirement involved the launch of RDU and re-tooling for the P415 uplift. Tom enjoyed pickleball, hunting, fishing, reading, cooking and golf. His love of golf was sparked way back in Pennsylvania when he was a caddy, club house attendant and member of the grounds crew at Youghiogheny Country Club. He played the game like a pro. Tom also enjoyed traveling with Debbie, visiting the U.K., Ireland, Canada, Mexico and many points in between. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was always good for a laugh. He liked to tease and torment in good fun and if you were on the receiving end, you could rest assured he liked you. He knew everyone’s names, from clerks in stores to his vendors and he never forgot them, nor could they forget him. He was generous, caring, outspoken and a snappy dresser … his cowboy boots were testament to that. Tom was a lifelong member of the United Steelworkers, the Moose and the Croatian Club. He spent time at the local library and at the Older People’s Commission in Rochester. Per Tom’s request, there will be no service at this time. Donations in Tom’s name can be made to your local Cancer Society, Leader Dogs for the Blind at 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, or a charity of your choice. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital for their loving care and support. Condolences can be offered at http://memorial.yourtribute.com/ThomasOdorcich/story.aspx.
