Thomas E. Wilford

With hearts full of sorrow yet overflowing with love, we announce that Thomas E. Wilford, a devoted husband, father, papa, and friend, was lifted to heaven on eagles’ wings following a sudden illness on January 7, 2025. He was an avid Ohio State fan and was “papa” to his beloved grandchildren. Tom was a mechanical engineer who worked at GM, Invacare, and then had his own consulting firm. He had been a long-time active member at St. Jude Parish in Elyria before he moved away.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dorothy (nee Pearce); children, Scott (Amy) Wilford, Sheila (Doug) Abbott, and Laura (Brian) Gahn; grandchildren, Sam Abbott, Alex (Abby) Abbott, Joe Abbott, Dylan Gahn, Thomas Wilford, Julia Gahn, Ben Abbott, and Jason Wilford; and his sisters, Grace, Mary , and Susan Wilford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ethel Wilford; sister, Doris Wilford; and his dear aunt and uncle, Thomas and Treva Wait.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 10 at 5:00 pm at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 24250 Dixie Highway, Perrysburg, Ohio, with the family receiving friends afterward. The family will also receive friends at the Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland St., Elyria on Saturday, January 11 from 9:30 - 11:30 am, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude Church, 590 Poplar St., Elyria at Noon. The burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Elyria.