Thomas Andrew Budarz

Thomas Andrew Budarz, 67, of Harbert, MI, passed away at the University of Chicago Hospital on Friday, April 12, 2013. Arrangements have been entrusted with Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, MI.Tom was born on Sept. 28, 1945 in Hammond, IN to Stanley and Helen (Gorczyca) Budarz. He served his country while in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On July 14, 1973 he married Phyllis Pinta in Palos Hills, IL. Tom was a social worker with the Lake County Dept. of Welfare for 43 years retiring in 2006. He was also owner-operator of South Suburban Pool Co. in Munster, IN. Tom was an avid sailor, runner, gardener, and loved restored cars-especially his Sun Beam Tiger. He did much volunteer work at St. Mary of the Lake Church in New Buffalo. Tom loved people and never turned away from helping anyone in need. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years Phyllis; his daughter Beth (Dr. Sabah) Butty of Chicago and Indianapolis; his mother Helen Budarz of Munster, IN; and brothers Michael (Mirjam) Budarz of Wilmington, NC, James Budarz of Munster, IN and David Budarz of Highland, IN. Tom was also very dedicated to his two dogs-Sylvia and Woltan, and his cat Sebastian. He is preceded in death by his father-Stanley and infant daughter.A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Sat., April 20, 11:00 A.M., at St. Mary of the Lake Church in New Buffalo, with Father Craig Lusk officiating. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, MI. Visiting with the family in on Fri., April 19, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Lake Church ‘Building on the Cornerstone Campaign.’ Those wishing to leave the family a message of condolence on line can do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com