Harold (Tom) Birr, son of Clarence and Bernice Birr, was called home April 2, 2023, at the age of 93. Tom was one of 11 children from a bustling Catholic home on Bricker Street in Toledo.
Tom was a craftsman, fisherman and caretaker of everything he held dear; his family, his church and his yard. He also had a deep respect for nature and an intrinsic love for music and dancing.
Being a soft spoken man of few words, Tom communicated loudest through his actions. He was a living example of hard work, devotion and wisdom. He was happy to help, and happier to teach you how to do it yourself.
Tom’s skills and passions were many. In the summer, his tanned arms would be stuck with fish scales, grass clippings, sawdust or garden soil. His calloused hands were always busy raking a yard, staining a wood project or tending his roses. When you heard him utter, “That’s enough for today,” you knew he was ready for the swing and a beer.
Sundays were for dressing up, church and pancakes. If we were lucky, a good polka song would play in the car on the way to the pancake house. Dad would stomp on the breaks along with the beat as children’s heads bobbled and giggled in the backseat. Mom would pretend to scold him, but her twinkling eyes gave her away … we all loved his silly side and propensity for fun and humor.
Tom and his wife, Mary-Anne, were part of Little Flower Parish for many years. After retiring from his career as a finish carpenter with the Lathrop Co., Tom found joy as an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Tom will be remembered for his striking blue eyes and for making funny faces in practically every family photo. A serious man who didn’t take life too seriously, he now joins MaryAnne, who was the love of his life and preceded Tom in death last spring. Tom and MaryAnne enjoyed 52 years of marriage and their reunion is sure to result in one of the most joyful waltzes in Heaven.
Tom also was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Judi Everette. Those left to cherish his memory include son, Barry Birr; daughters, Beverly Schwartz, Lisa Cornelius (Chris), Karen Birr (Joe), Cindy Daudelin (Adam), and a multitude of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
Tom’s family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of both Maumee Pointe Memory Care and Careline Hospice. Their exceptional loving care and support during Dad’s last year was a true blessing to him and our family.
Loved ones are invited to gather and honor Tom’s life on Thursday, April 13, at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2240 Castlewood Drive, Toledo. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 to 11 a.m., with a Funeral Mass immediately following at 11 a.m. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home, Perrysburg.
Condolences may be made to the family online at walkerfuneralhomes. com. Should friends desire, contributions in Tom’s memory may be sent to Careline Hospice at carelinehealthgroup.com.