Obituary of Thomas Patrick Dunleavy

Thomas (Tom) Patrick Dunleavy May 16, 1946 - June 5, 2020 "It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice." Tom Dunleavy of Highland, MI, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020. Age 74. Tom was born on May 16, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, grew up in Ballina County Mayo Ireland, and returned to Highland, Michigan to build a life of love and community. In his personal life, he was a brother, husband, dad, grampa, uncle, friend, neighbor, breakfast-lover, story-teller, and public servant. He also found great joy in his professional life - Highland Township supervisor, barber, butcher, bartender, Santa Claus, and ice cream shop owner. Most of all, he enjoyed making people feel good and making them smile. He was known for his big hugs, quick laugh, irreverent humor, and love of family. He could sing "My Fair Lady" by heart, watch anything John Wayne or Andy Griffith, and never stopped enjoying Looney Tunes. Tom loved a good story, and lived a good story. Give him a few minutes or hours, and he could tell you a grand tale on any topic. Among his favorites - life growing up on a farm - both the hard work of animal care and the simple pleasures like fresh-churned butter on warm soda bread; and, his adventures in Las Vegas - of course the details stayed there - and he always "broke even." Preceded in death by his parents, James and Margaret and by his brothers, Michael (Bridget) and Martin. He is survived by his wife Patricia Dunleavy, two children Erin and Ryan (Denise) and two grandchildren Liam and Anna, brothers and sisters, Peggy Ann (the late Kevin) Hopkins, James (Janice) Dunleavy, John (Margaret) Dunleavy, Sally (Rod) Vernier, Patricia (Michael) Ogg, and Brian Dunleavy. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Cremation has taken place. Visitation hours, all welcome, will be at Church of the Holy Spirit from 9-10:30 AM on Saturday July 25. Please note that guidelines require masks and social distancing inside the church. A memorial mass with limited seating will be held at 11-12 PM at Church of the Holy Spirit. Father Wayne will officiate. In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one to breakfast in Tom's memory. The family will also be naming a Highland Township memorial bench in Tom's honor to sit and enjoy life. Donations may be made in person or mailed to Huron Valley State Bank, 2920 E. Highland Road, Highland, MI 48356 or Highland Township Hall, 205 N. John Street, Highland, MI 48357, or electronically via the GoFundMeSite at www.chillatthemill.org, Checks made payable to "Friends of Downtown Highland, Inc." Reference Tom Dunleavy.