Deacon Thomas Jeffery Hojnacki

Deacon Thomas Jeffery Hojnacki, age 65, of Northwood, passed away unexpectedly at Mercy St. Charles Hospital on August 18, 2022.  Tom was born to Thomas F. and Joann (Kutchenriter) Hojnacki on May 15, 1957, in Toledo, Ohio.  He was a 1975 graduate of Central Catholic High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toledo in 1985.

Tom was a very active member at St. Jerome Catholic Church, in leadership with the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) and Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP), which led him to discern his calling to the diaconate.  On September 18, 2021, he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Daniel Thomas at Our Lady, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral.  In addition to assisting at Mass, Deacon Tom ministered to the homebound, the grieving in the St. Jerome Mourning Glory Bereavement Group, engaged couples through marriage preparation, and presiding at funeral home services.  He embraced the sharing of his faith life graciously, and loved being a deacon.

Tom was married to his loving wife, Lorraine, for 44 years.  Together they enjoyed traveling the world from Australia to Iceland, visiting all 50 states and most of Canada.  He collected political memorabilia, stamps, and challenged himself to intricate puzzles and models.  Tom worked as an auditor for CNA Insurance until retirement.

Tom is survived by his wife Lorraine; daughter Rachael; siblings Cathie (Ron) Breed and Timothy (Julie) Hojnacki; close friends Ed and Anna Snyder; Godsons Daniel Hojnacki and Frank Snyder; niece Jennifer Hojnacki; and nephews Andrew and Nicholas Breed.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd. in Oregon, Ohio, Monday, August 22, 2022, from 4 until 9 p.m.  The Vigil for the Deceased will take place at 7:30 p.m.  The Rite of Reception of the Body will occur at 9:30 a.m., at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 300 Warner St. in Walbridge, Ohio on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Reverend Monsignor William J. Kubacki, Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Diocese of Toledo.  Burial will follow at Lake Township Cemetery.  Memorial contributions to benefit the new Deacon Tom Hojnacki Diaconate Formation Scholarship Fund are appreciated.