Thomas E. Polgar

Always There

Thomas E Polgar, born March, 3rd, 1939 to the parents of John and Rose Polgar in Detroit, Michigan. Beloved husband to Martha Sharon Polgar. Loving father to Carrie (Steve) Ladanyi and Michael (Cristine) Polgar. Grandfather to Joshua and Samuel Polgar.

Thomas was preceded in death by his siblings, Delores Bielan, John Polgar, Robert Polgar, Joseph Polgar, Veronica Wilkenson, Catherine Polgar and Margaret Warden. He also had numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; some of which preceded him in death.

Tom spent his entire youth growing up in Detroit while being surrounded by his large family. Losing his father at the young age of 6 would later shape Tom into the resilient man that he became. In his teens, Tom attended Holy Redeemer H.S. and took a position at his brothers electronics repair shop. It was apparent at a very young age that Tom had the ability to truly comprehend what made everything work. He excelled in everything, especially with the next chapter of his life.

In early 1959, Tom met the love of his life. Martha Sharon Cliff and started a story book romance that would change their lives forever. Being young, and living life to the fullest. But in early 1962, with the escalation of the Vietnam war, Tom had to make the difficult decision to join the armed forces. He chose the Navy and was sent off to serve his country. Upon returning home from boot camp in Chicago, Tom and Sharon wed on June 9th, 1962 and then moved to Pensacola, Florida for training. Their honeymoon was short lived, for Tom was soon sent off into active duty. Unfortunately it was discovered that Tom was color blind and not able to take part in the Naval electronics program. So instead, he was then assigned to communications on the very prestigious USS Oxford intelligence gathering ship. On May 21st of 1963, while at sea off the coast of Vietnam, Tom received word that his daughter Carrie was born, three days after her berth. Due to the stealth of the Oxford’s mission, the message was delayed and Tom was not able to meet his daughter until two months later. Over the course of the next few years Tom sailed the world, and traveled to locations all over the world such as Turkey, Africa and the South Pacific, but seldom was able to come back home. He did return stateside in 1966 to be stationed in Norfolk Virginia. Finally united with his wife and daughter for good.

By the time March, 1967 had come, Tom fulfilled his duty to the US Navy and was discharged. The family moved back to Michigan shortly thereafter while Tom continued to hone his skill of mechanics and electronics. In July of 1968, the family’s life changed again. After purchasing Sharon’s childhood home, they welcomed their son, Michael Thomas Polgar into the world on July 10th. The family of four took root and flourished. This would be the last time for the family to find a new home.

In 1969, life took another turn for Tom. He took his skillset to IBEW Local 58 in Detroit. Tom excelled for the next thirty three years as an electrician with companies such as Harlan Electric, O’toole Electric, and Motor City Electric. It did not take long for him to achieve the rolls of journeyman, foreman, general foreman and superintendent. In the late 70s Tom took a great interest in computers. Becoming one of the first persons able to understand, set up, operate and program them, he was often relied upon to install systems for the companies in which he had served. He knew how to make things work.

Through the years, Tom took great pride in his Family. Supporting, caring and loving them to great extents. Always there for a celebration. Always there for an accomplishment. Always there for a problem. Always there. Tom was also very close with extended family, always sharing and helping dozens of siblings, cousins and in-laws.

Along the way, Tom adopted a few hobbies. One favorite being the Detroit Red Wings. He lived and breathed Red Wings throughout the glory years and would complain about players and referees in the down years. But he stuck with them. Photography was also his passion. Always upgrading equipment, experimenting with shooting techniques, reading endlessly and even building his own dark room. The quality moments captured by Tom’s lens are priceless. The number one hobby that Tom will be remembered for is helping others. It may have been at work, for friends or with family. Tom had a way to fix, or build anything. He was a problem solver that was appreciated by all that knew him. But the thing that gave Tom the most joy was enjoying his grandsons. Teaching them, watching them, and being proud of them. Tom certainly loved his family.

Tom will be remembered for many things. Helping and loving others are at the top of the list.

Tom Polgar, always loved and forever remembered.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clift Cemetery Perpetual Fund, PO Box 546, Princeton, KY 42445