Thomas R. Pritz Sr.

Thomas Richard Pritz, Sr., died peacefully on March 16th in Boynton Beach, Florida, at the age of 92.   

Tom was born on April 26, 1924, to Eric M. and Marie Devine Pritz, He spent his youth in Rockford, Illinois, and attended Rockford College and Oklahoma A&M University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega service and leadership fraternity.

After serving in the U.S. Navy Submarine Corp from 1943 to 1946, he met the love of his life, Molly LaTier Manuell. They married in 1950.  Shortly after settling in Grand Rapids, Tom was recalled and served in the Navy again from 1951 to 1953, stationed in Panama. Upon returning to Grand Rapids and beginning a family, Tom worked at several jobs in the area before ultimately establishing a career at Lear Siegler Corporation/Smith Industries as a Logistics Engineer.  

Tom was a devoted husband and an active father.  His love for his family serves as a treasured memory and inspiration to his children and those who knew him.  The simple pleasures always drew his greatest admiration.  A beautiful sunset, a beautiful story, a storm, or a well-mixed Manhattan up with a little cherry juice could bring tears of appreciation or laughter.  He had a dry and quirky sense of humor.  Tom also loved a good book and a game of cards with competent players.  Tom and Molly always enjoyed the Florida Keys. He spent the last six years of his life enjoying the Florida sunshine and living close to his daughter and son-in-law.  

He was a member of the Grand Rapids Police Senior volunteers, Kiwanis Golden K, the Jaycee Toastmasters Club, the Men’s Club and the Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church.   

Tom is survived by his children, Polly (Mark) Tillman, Maryann (Mike) Anusbigian, Thom (Jane) Pritz, Jr., Eric (Alison) Pritz, and siblings John Pritz, Catherine Cunningham, and Patricia Hobart; his grandchildren Amanda, Luke, Peter, Taylor, Nick, Hannah, Tom III, Alex, Theo, and Molly; his great-grandchildren Erin, Pearl, Ben, Seth, Grace, Preston, Bryce, and Noah.  He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Molly Manuell Pritz, and his sister, Mariem Pritz Neimeyer.

A communion and memorial service is scheduled at 2 pm Saturday, March 25th, at Grace Episcopal Church, 1815 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grace Episcopal Church.  

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