Thomas G. Hritzo

YOUNGSTOWN - Thomas G. Hritzo, 89, went home to rest in the loving arms of Jesus early Sunday evening, Aug. 12, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Thomas was born Dec. 21, 1928, in Youngstown, a son of the late John and Mary Majoros Hritzo, and was a lifelong area resident.

Mr. Hritzo was a 1947 graduate of Chaney High School, and he worked for McKenzie Muffler after graduation. Soon after, Tom proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star.

He studied engineering at Youngstown University, and attended Coyne Trade School in Chicago, where he graduated as a TV repair technician. For 22 years, Tom owned and operated House of TV & Appliances on Mahoning Avenue, and he also worked for 22 years for General Motors at the Lordstown Plant, retiring in 1992.

He was an active, longtime member of St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Youngstown, where he was a bingo worker and a member of the Rosary Society, the Greek Catholic Union, the St. Mary’s Golf League, and the Golden Pillars.

Tom dedicated his adult life to his family, and he made sure his wife and children were always cared for. He met his beloved wife, Marge, in 1956, and it was “love at first sight,”and the couple married Oct. 17, 1959. He loved and cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchild, and looked forward to summer vacations with his family. Tom enjoyed spending winters in Florida with his wife, and visiting his brothers.

Mr. Hritzo enjoyed ballroom dancing, golf, baseball, and he was a fan of the Cleveland Indians. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf in the GCU leagues. Tom loved to cook, and was famous for his incredibly delicious Chicken Francaise.

Tom leaves his beloved wife of 58 years, Margaret “Marge” Hudak Hritzo; six children, Laurie (Dane) Benson of Canfield, Mary Zeoli of Youngstown, John Hritzo of Atlanta, Cheryl “Sherry” Wellman of Youngstown, Michael Hritzo of Seattle, and Thomas G. Hritzo II of Hilliard; eight grandchildren, Nick (Rosalie) Benson, Joe Benson (Kaylee Buchenic), Nina Zeoli, Sean Wellman, Jeff (Emily) Wellman, Erica Wellman, Tommy Hritzo III, and Matteo Hritzo; a great-grandson, Michael Zeoli; two brothers, Leonard (Kay) Hritzo of Columbus and Edward (Ellie) Hritzo of Florida; and a sister-in-law, Pat Hritzo of Colorado.

Tom will be remembered as a man who enjoyed life to the fullest, and who was a loving and kind man with an infectious smile. He will be truly and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A granddaughter, Simone Zeoli, and a brother, Dr. Robert Hritzo, are deceased.

Family and friend may call from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown, where a prayer service will be held at 4:30 p.m.

Funeral services will begin at 10:15 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home, and will continue at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church on South Belle Vista Avenue in Youngstown.

Committal services with military honors will take place at St. Mary Cemetery on South Schenley Avenue in Youngstown.

Thanks from the Hritzo family to Dr. Medford Mashburn, to Dr. Kathy Padgitt, to Dr. Santuccio Ricciardi, to Dr. Wahoub Hout, and to the staff of Hospice of the Valley, for the kindness shown and care given to Tom and his family.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512; or to St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 356 S. Belle Vista Ave., Youngstown, OH 44509.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.