Thomas Lee Gearhart

Thomas Lee Gearhart, 82, was called home on Friday, March 28, 2025 at The Grove Memory Care Center in Toledo, OH. He was born in Toledo on November 23, 1942 to parents Edwin and Genevieve Gearhart. Tom lived in Toledo his whole life, and was proud to call it home. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1960 and went on to study at the University of Toledo, but shortly after enrollment he joined the Navy as a journalist. He went around the world on the USS Enterprise from 1964-1965. After discharge, Tom began working for the Toledo Blade newspaper in June of 1967. He started out as a general assignment reporter, and his first City Desk beat was race relations and civil rights. As time went on, Tom was the Blade Magazine editor, the entertainment editor, and eventually the editor of the features department. During this time, much of Tom’s role included writing reviews of plays in the Toledo area and beyond. He reviewed 192 stage productions in the Toledo area between 1980-2000, and countless others on Broadway, off Broadway, in Chicago, and even Stratford and Ontario, Canada. Tom often included family members and close friends in his local work and travels, which led to many memorable experiences. From 2000-2010, Tom volunteered as a patient transporter at St. Luke’s Hospital. He enjoyed making new friends there and was the perfect person to ease the minds of those experiencing pain or fear. If anyone met Tom and he didn’t make them laugh within the first five minutes, they must not have been listening! His intelligence and quick wit made for engaging conversations, poignant discussions on any topic, and side-splitting laughter when appropriate (for the most part). He truly cared about others, showed interest in their thoughts and views, and was a great listener. Tom’s favorite pastime was shooting pool, and he was exceptionally skilled. He played in numerous pool leagues in town, and often surprised new opponents with his expertise. Tom was always happy to share tips and tricks with up-and-coming pool sharks, and while he was competitive, what mattered most to him was having a great time and enjoying camaraderie with others. While he stopped playing pool only a few years ago, Tom and his daughter continued to make regular outings to his favorite restaurants and watering holes where he could still enjoy a cold Miller Lite and schmooze with the locals. Tom really never met a stranger, and those lucky enough to have crossed his path will always be his friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Eddie Gearhart, and his loving wife of 44 years, Barbara Gearhart. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Elizabeth (Brady) Grimm, grandchildren Genevieve and Caroline Grimm, sisters Mary Bailie and Gloria Gearhart, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Friends may call at Ansberg-West Funeral Home at 3000 West Sylvania Avenue in Toledo on Thursday, April 10 from 4-8 pm. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements are made. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org.

Thomas Lee Gearhart

November 23, 1942 - March 28, 2025