SALISBURY - Thomas Paul Stevenson died peacefully Wednesday, May 23, 2018 on his 78th birthday. Three weeks ago, he was shockingly diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Tom, formerly of Canton, Mich., graduated from St. Theresa High School, Detroit, in 1958.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 59 years, Esther; six children: Mary and Doug French, Thomas and Jeanne Stevenson, Michael and Debbie Stevenson, Kathy and Mike Marshall, Jenny and David Jones, Danny and Jill Stevenson; 27 grandchildren: Melissa and Shane LaChappelle, Mike French, Mitch and Emily French, Sophie Stevenson, Katie Marshall and Max Timmons, Carly and Brian Kaminski, Molly Marshall, Julia Stevenson, Jack Marshall, Jessica Stevenson, Dillon Stevenson, Ryan Jones, Brendan Jones, Ally Jones, Michael Stevenson, Emilie Stevenson, Marshall Palmer-Jones, Grace Stevenson, Lilly Stevenson, Tommy Stevenson, Alex Stevenson; and two great-grandchildren, Siena and Stella LaChappelle.
Tom is also survived by four sisters and five brothers, their spouses, a plethora of nieces and nephews, more friends than anyone could imagine, and his magnificent dog, Buddy.
Tom was the second of 12 children born to the late Eunice and Jimmy (James) Stevenson.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, James and Billy; brothers-in-law, Bob Dougherty, Walt Thomas and Brian Hussey; sister-in-law, Kelly Stevenson; and son-in-law, Chris Palmer.
Tom lovingly donated his time to numerous charities and organizations including Divine Savior Catholic Church (which he co-founded with Esther), The Magi Fund, The Joseph House, Relay for Life, The Kidney Foundation, Tom Brown Rookie League and his grandchildren's schools. He co-chaired Relay for Life – Wicomico County, assisted with the development of Romance for A Cure, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer related charities.
Tom will always be remembered as a kind, wonderful person by anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. Anyone who spent even a short amount of time with him was uplifted by his company, as he never knew a bad day. He was first and foremost an amazing husband and father. He could fix anything, and would, when he visited someone's home. Tom could make any situation better with his kind words, strong arms and generous spirit. Often, it was his guidance and positive attitude that people sought. Tom never knew a stranger; his love and friendship had no judgement or limits. He always had a sparkle in his eyes and dimples straight from central casting.
His loving spirit is his legacy. It will be carried forward by all who knew him.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 11 am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Salisbury. Visitation was on Monday, May 28, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Holloway Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the causes that enriched his life and the life of his family: Eastern Shore Region, Antique Automobile Club of America Scholarship Fund ESR/AACA, c/o Mr. Andrew Pogan, 5750 Sandy Hill Road, Quantico, MD 21856 or Joseph House, P.O. Box 1755 Salisbury, Maryland 21801
Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, P.A., 501 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.hollowayfh.com.