Thomas Andrew McNair, 61, Avid Fisherman and Duck Hunter

Born in Lorain on September 6, 1955, he was the son of John “Alex” and Mary “Aileen” (nee Stuller) McNair. Tom was a 1973 graduate of Admiral King High School and a 1977 graduate of Bowling Green State University.

At a young age he inherited a love for music, creativity, nature, and the desire to help others. He was a member of the Disabled America Veterans Marching Band and was a former Cub Scout. In addition, he belonged to the camping club and marching band at Admiral King. While attending B.G.S.U., Tom was a member of the Falcons club ice hockey team.

He was as an avid fisherman, ice fisherman, and duck hunter. Starting out at “Hot Waters” in Lorain as a child, he went on to fish many of the Great Lakes, as well as on a multitude of rivers, ponds, and streams throughout northern Ohio and Canada; he was a past member of the Polish Fisherman’s Club of Lorain.

Tom’s lifelong dream was to become a professional land surveyor. He was able to accomplish part of that dream when he received certification as a licensed surveyor in training for the State of Ohio . Mr. McNair was a member of the Professional Land Surveyors of Ohio as well as the Cleveland Chapter of the P.L.S.O. Due to his illness, he was not able to fulfill his entire dream. He was, however, able to work with a plethora of surveyors as he helped to re-establish the boundary lines between the states of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Tom began his career with the Lorain County Tax Map Department as a cartographer in December of 1977; he retired in September of 2007, just shy of thirty years of service. He also served as an adjunct instructor at Lorain County Community College where he taught surveying classes.

He met his wife, Mary through work and they were married on July 24, 1982. Together, they raised two children, Joe and Emily. Tom was regarded as a loving husband, devoted father, and a teacher to many in his daily life. Filled with patience and understanding, it was his mission in life to spread love, and a “can do” attitude.

One of his additional virtues was being kind to animals and humans alike.

Tom was a parishioner of St. Jude Catholic Church in Elyria where helped survey the church property for the construction of the current church. He and his wife were past co-treasurers and co-presidents of the St. Jude Parents Club, as well as past members of the Covenant Keepers; Tom also volunteered his time with the Boy Scouts as well as the church’s annual BBQ Festival.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 2004, his father in 2010, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Survivors include his wife of thirty-four years Mary (nee Czarney), son Joe of Elyria, and daughter Emily of Piqua. Additional survivors include his brother Dave McNair of Dayton , Texas , and brothers-in-law Thomas (Mary Ann) Czarney of Avon, Bernie (Paulette) Czarney of Ocoee, Florida , Jim (the late Ann Marie) Czarney, and Paul (Elaine) Czarney both residing in Lorain , Michael (Cathy) Czarney of Vermilion, and Joe Czarney of Amherst. He also leaves eighteen nieces and nephews, twenty great nieces and nephews, along with many loving cousins and dear friends.

Tom’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, aids, and staff at Normandy Manor for the wonderful care they provided over the span of the four year residence there as well as to Crossroads Hospice for its care over the past six months.

Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue , Lorain. A rosary will be recited there at 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday in St. Jude Catholic Church – 590 Poplar Street , Elyria (Please meet at church) .Reverend Frank P. Kosem. pastor of the parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery .

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged to The Association For Frontotemporal Degeneration – Radnor Station, Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, PA 19087.

To share your memories and condolences with Tom's family, please visit www.gluvna.net.