Tom McNamara III, 73

Thomas James McNamara III Thomas James McNamara III, born August 16, 1939, Lansing, Michigan, died October 23, 2012 at home in Mason, MI. He is survived by his wife,Theresa, 3 children – Lori (Steve) Barczak, Thomas McNamara IV, and Matthew (Michelle) McNamara, 9 grandchildren, his mother, Marion, siblings Jack (Colleen), Dan (Gail), Tim and Kelly, 14 loving nieces and nephews and 18 great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas James McNamara, Jr. Both Tom Jr. and Marion worked at the Lansing City Market for decades. Tom III was co-owner of Mid-City Produce for about 45 years, where he always answered the phone “Top of the morning.” Along with his brother, Jack, he ran Everybody’s Market in downtown Lansing in the early 1960s where his mother and grandmother often helped. Tom served in the Marine Corps as a “weekend warrior” and achieved the rank of Supply Sergeant. He was a 1957 graduate of St. Mary’s High School and a member of St. James Catholic Church in Mason. He was Vice President of Father John’s Clothing Fund for Needy Children. He loved to travel with his wife and grandchildren and often called his wife “the best travel companion ever.” The McNamara family also sponsored the St. Patrick’s parties for over 40 years, beginning at the Mid-City Produce Warehouse on Pere Marquette and when they became too big, transferred to the Armory on Marshall St. Up to 1300 people would attend. Tom often said, “We miss doing it and everyone who came.” Tom died from an 8-year long battle with stage 4 prostate cancer and at the end, taught all of us about dignity, courage and hope. He believed firmly in an afterlife and as he lay dying would tell people, “See you later, but take your time.” In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Father John’s Clothing Fund for Needy Children or Grace Hospice. Tom has opted to donate his body for medical research. The rosary will be said Friday, October 26, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel, followed by a brief memorial service.