Thomas C. Urbanek, 77, Former Lorain City Councilman and Clearview School Board Member

Thom was born in Lorain and remained a life-long resident of the city. He was a member of the first graduating class of Admiral King High School and went on to attend classes at Lorain County Community College.

Thom later enrolled in the Northern Institute of Cosmetology. For more than four decades he served as the owner and head stylist at Creative Hair Designs in Lorain.

Thom was heavily involved in his community serving as a Lorain City Councilman for twenty-two years as well as holding a seat on the Selective Service Board and serving as Lorain City Treasurer. In addition, he served as a member of the Clearview School Board for eight years.

Thom was also a longtime member of the Lorain International Festival Committee twice serving as the organization’s President.

A parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria Township, he was also a long-time member of the American Slovak Club. In his free time he enjoyed travel; although never actually visiting the country, he developed a special interest in Egypt. Thom’s broad knowledge of the country, its history, and heritage, led him to lecture a host of clubs and organizations throughout the area on the topic of Egyptology. His wealth of knowledge often amazed people who had actually traveled there.

He leaves his wife of fifty-five years Darla (nee Sestili), sons Aaron (Emily) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Matthew (Malory) of Lorain, and daughter Dana Gornall (partner Mark Konecek) of Amherst along with foster daughter Melissa Chorba (Matthew) residing in Columbus. Additional survivors include grandchildren Zack, Penny, Jeremy, Hallie, and Victoria, brother Alan Urbanek (Gail) of Vermilion, and special family friend Seth Schilling.

Thom was preceded in death by his father Frank “Fritz” Urbanek, in 1984, and mother Pauline (nee Endrizal) in 2007.

Visitation will be Friday from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. At the request of the family, all visitors will be required to wear facial coverings. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel with Deacon John Slatcoff presiding.. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

Contributions in Thom’s memory are encouraged to either the Lorain County Metro Parks or Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital – Cleveland.

To share your memories and condolences with the Urbanek Family, please visit www.gluvna.net.