Thomas L. Dewey

Thomas L. Dewey, age 83, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away on April 1, 2023. He was born on August 12, 1939 in Pontiac, Michigan; son of Ernest and Norma (Drag) Dewey.  He graduated from Ferndale High School in 1957. He studied at Henry Ford Community College and College for Creative Studies and served in the United States Air Force. Tom was united in marriage to Joanne M. Hulbert on December 22, 1967; they spent 53 years devoted to one another until her death in 2021.

Tom was incredibly creative and an out of the box thinker, which was reflected in his careers throughout his life.  His first job was with AMT, a model toy company, where he was responsible for designing the decals that went on the toys. He later went to work at Ford Motor Company as a draftsman, working his way to analyst before retiring in 1996. During his time at AMT, he designed a drag racing themed decal and made copies of it to share with friends. To his surprise, the decal artwork was chosen in 2012 to be featured on the Woodward Avenue Tribute Sculpture which stands in Royal Oak.

Tom was a founding member of Meadowbrook Congregational Church and loved organizing and helping with their rummage sale twice a year.  An excellent problem solver, he could fix anything, often with creative solutions.  Following his retirement, Tom earned certification in clock repair and enjoyed collecting and restoring antique clocks.  He was also a talented woodworker and enjoyed making unique gifts for his family.  Tom entertained his family with stories of his creative and hilarious ways to deal with telephone solicitors.  When Tom began to lose his vision, he utilized the Braille and Talking Book Library and read many books each week on a variety of topics. He was proud to have maintained his humor, intellect, and independent lifestyle as a blind person.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many; he will be missed by all who loved him.

Thomas is survived by his son, Ted (Andrea) Dewey and his grandchildren, Logan, Alexa, and Adrienne.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne and his parents.

Private family services will be held.  Mr. Dewey will be laid to rest with his wife at White Chapel Memorial Park in Troy.  In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Meadowbrook Congregational Church or to the Braille and Talking Book Library program through the Library of Michigan Foundation.