DEA, Deacon Thomas Leonard Dea

Died peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026 at his home at the age of 89. Thomas (Tom) of Wasaga Beach (formerly of Aurora), beloved husband of the late Mary Lou Dea for almost 69 years. Loving and proud father of Theresa, Leonard, Elizabeth Kolotyliuk, the late Patti (Mike Tracey), Cathy (Scott Carson), Kate Collins and Father Peter Meyer. Cherished grandpa of Nicole (Kenny), Tom, Kurtis (Cindy), Zachary, Joseph, Andrew, Caitlin (Neal), Mitchell (Eddie), Ashley (Don) and Kristina (Dan) and great grandfather/papa of Evelyn, Harlan, Jaxon, Hayden, Brooks, August, Amelia, Samantha, Tristin, Melissa, Wesley and Miles.

Deacon Thomas Leonard Dea was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Evelyn Dea and siblings Ron, Gemma and Gérard-D. He was a dear uncle of niece Dee and nephews Gerry and John.

Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, his roots held his future as the city created the setting for him to meet the love of his life, Mary Lou Knight. After marrying the couple moved to Toronto where Tom worked several jobs at a time to make ends meet as they started their family.

A fateful visit to what turned out to be a women’s employment centre resulted in what would be the first of many moments in which God and community bolstered his journey. Instead of being turned away, Centre staff made a call on his behalf to a contact at National Life who agreed to interview Tom. This moment was the beginning of a more than 30-year career at the company in which Tom worked his way from entry level to that of Vice President, Investments.

As he built his career, Tom’s role provided opportunities for him to travel internationally accompanied by Mary Lou. The couple also delighted in their annual vacations to the beaches of Barbados. Summers at the cottage with the Kerr and Bowers families on Lake Wahwashkesh was a cherished and favourite place to be where family and friends were always welcome. Tom delighted in feeding peanuts to the chipmunks, driving his boat with inflatables always at the ready for towing, water skiing like an expert creating rooster tail sprays and reading bedtime stories aloud that always ended with a rousing chorus of “and they lived happily ever after!”.

Upon retiring from National Life, Tom pursued his calling of becoming a Deacon in the Catholic Church. Supported unconditionally by Mary Lou (affectionately referred to as the “Deacon’s Beacon”), Tom was ordained in 1998 and continued on a beautiful path of service. An exceptional and gifted homilist, Tom’s liturgical reflections were spiritually and humanly impactful. He was incredibly grateful for his Deacon brotherhood of Hugh, Dave, Joe, Paul M, Paul B and Brian.

An avid reader, lover of music, movie watcher, sport fan, automobile enthusiast and man of tremendous faith, Tom could call on prayer, knowledge, humour or a nail-biting, thrilling ride in his Toyota Supra as was warranted by the occasion.

A deep thinker and reflective reasoner, Tom’s cache of patience appeared endless when others needed it from him the most. His gifts of faith, fellowship and friendship will endure in the hearts and memories of all whose lives were touched by his.

Friends are invited to join his family at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home – Wasaga Beach Chapel, 509 River Road West, Wasaga Beach on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Vigil prayers at 7:45 pm.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 215 Pine Street, Stayner on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 11am. Reception to follow on-site in the parish hall. Private entombment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Barrie at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, a donation to St. Patrick’s Parish or the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated by Tom’s family.