Thomas Edward Leva

Tom was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, sibling, a professional engineer, a master electrician, and a volunteer firefighter. His world revolved around his family, especially his wife Sherry. Oh how he loved Sherry! For 52 years, 11 months, and 18 days, his love for her remains indescribable.

                Tom as Sherry called him, Dad as my sisters called him, Pops as I called him, or Poppa as the grandchildren called him was one of those rare gems of a human. When you asked him how he was doing, he would always say something along the lines of “I am blessed…” and he meant it with every fiber of his being. Pops didn’t care about superficial labels or stereotypes. If you were white, black, brown, gay, straight, old or young, all Pops ever seen was a fellow human. He seen the inner humanity and beauty in every person he met and almost without fail, he would open himself up to anyone who give him a chance. If that chance turned to be a moment longer, a hug was probably not too far behind.  

                Pops loved large, loved generously, and loved quickly. He would espouse his love for you boastfully. He didn’t care if he embarrassed you in front of 20 people, if he loved you, the world was going to know it.

                A quote fits Pops as a father to me (Todd) and my two sisters Stacey and Kim. It says “He didn’t tell me how to live, he lived and let me watch him do it”. He led by example. He loved being a husband, a father and “Poppa” to Maslin, Cormac, Katlin and Kellan. He loved his son-in laws Michael and Matt like sons, and his daughter in-law Elaine like a daughter. He seen no distinction. Family is family. He was there to pick us up when anyone of us were down, but he also revealed to all of us one of life’s greatest lessons. Unconditional love.  

                He treasured and was so proud of being a Professional Engineer. Outside his family though, his heart and soul was always with South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES). He served 25 years as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic for SHAES. I can remember so many times his radio going off in the house and he would jump into action yelling “I am going on a call!”. Once, I was just old enough to drive, and he let me take his truck. His pride and joy. Oh we was not happy when he learned that I “accidently” turned on his trucks lights and sirens. Honestly though, what did he expect?

                When Pops was happy which was almost always, his favorite word was “Fantastic”! He loved McDonalds. Loved it. He would ride around with a McDonalds cup that could be weeks old. He’d just refill it as needed. We told him he could always get a new McDonalds cup but he would always say “there is no sense in throwing away a perfectly good cup”. Pops was emotional. He would cry at commercials, TV shows, movies, or anything else that touched his heart. He was a proud Catholic, would sing at every service with all that he had. Even though Pops had countless blessings, a singing voice was far from it. He didn’t care.

                Pops attacked each day with a grateful spirit and was always willing to give. It was not uncommon for Pops to see someone at a grocery store or gas station, obviously struggling to make ends meet, he would humbly and discreetly pay. If you were stranded on the side of the road, he would stop. He was the fixer of all things being an Engineer and master electrician. If someone in town had a problem at their house, Pops would respond with delight. Pops payment was hardly ever money. It was simply the inner joy in being able to help another person. A simple philosophy, but a philosophy our world needs now more than ever.

                While Pops may have passed, our hearts are still heavy, the pain is still raw, and the tears are still wet. We will miss him so, so much. However, we all know his legacy, his countless examples, his zest for life, his quiet graceful actions, and his boundless love will live on for generations to come.

                So Heaven has gained yet another angel, Pops with his inquisitive mind is probably wearing out God’s ear, already trying to understand that which we cant understand in this life. We know that he is home, free of cancer, surrounded by an unimaginable beauty and all those that have passed before him, plus Hank, the one dog he loved so very much.

                Thank you Pops for being my hero and the hero of so many. Thank you for being amazing in every role you played on this earth. The family you leave behind thanks God that he saw fit, that for some reason, we were exceedingly blessed with having a man like you in our lives. Until we meet again, you will always be in our hearts. The price for love is grief. We accept this grief no matter how painful because no amount of grief we may experience for a while could ever equal your infinite love.

Eternally we Love you Tom, Dad, Pops, and Poppa,

Your Family