Thomas Leroy Gulasa

Thomas Leroy Gulasa age 85 of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, after a battle with Parkinson’s.  Tom was born the son of Paul & Garnet (Woodgeard) Gulasa on May 4, 1938, in Dayton, Ohio.  After the death of his stepfather Charles “Pat” Patrick Longstreath in 1963 Tom took over the family’s business A-1 Auto Parts.  He met and fell deeply in love with Ruth Ghormely in 1953.  They were married August 19, 1954, and were with each other through all of life’s ups and downs.  Tom and Ruth would go on to have 5 children, Ruthanna Evans, Bonita “Bonnie” Ashley, Thomaseah “Thoma” (Carter “Luke”) Vanover, Thomas Gulasa Jr., and Lalonni (Gregory) Stephens. Tom was a loving father and husband.  He always had a love for God and through actions taught his children to be tenacious in the face of adversity.  Tom was a hard worker which he devoted much of his time growing the family business but when he was free, he enjoyed traveling in his camper, fishing, “tinkering” around his property building, and campfires with his family.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sister Theresa “Trudy”, Charlene, brothers Ronald and Paul.  He is survived by his wife Ruth, sister Karen Vanover, 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.  Friends and family may call on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Greater Life Springfield 200 Snyder St. Springfield, Ohio from 5PM – 7PM where a funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 12PM with Rev. Paul Dowdy officiating.  Interment to follow in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.  Memorial contributions may be made to Greater Life Springfield in Tom’s honor.  Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.richardsraffanddunbar.com