Thomas Steven Payovich

Thomas Steven Payovich, Sr., 86, of St. Joseph, passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 15, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 220 Church St., St. Joseph with Father Paul Redmond officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Friends may visit with the family from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Sunday, August 14 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools Athletic Association. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Thomas was born on November 9, 1929 in St. Joseph, to Joseph and Mary (Michael) Payovich. After graduating from St. Joseph Catholic High School he married the love of his life, Mary Lecato on February 18, 1950 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. He worked as a Metallurgist for Benton Harbor Mallable for twenty years before working and retiring from Leco as a Refractories Consultant. Thomas was very active at St. Joseph Catholic Schools and Lake Michigan Catholic Schools as a past president of the school board as well as being the assistant football coach for the J.V. and Varsity teams for seventeen years. He was an active member at St. Joseph Catholic Church serving as an Usher for many years. Thomas also served as President of the Foundarymen Society. He enjoyed golf, fishing, playing cards, traveling and spending time with family. Thomas is survived by his wife Mary; children, Kathy (Robert) Landeck , Laura (Jerry) Sarno, Julie (Jim) Lhotka all of St. Joseph and Tom (Dee) Payovich of Bridgman; eleven grandchildren, Amy, Lisa, Patrick, Jim, Jenny, Andrew, Anthony, Faith, Rachel, Rebecca and Sarah; five great grandchildren, Logan, Isaac, Elisabeth, James and Ella. He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Ann, Mary Lou, John, Michael, Joseph and Paul.