Deacon Eugene Albert Tombler died Nov. 30, 2022, at his home in Warren at the age of 92.
Eugene was born Feb. 10, 1930, to John and Helen (Cronley) Tombler in Jersey City, N.J. Eugene attended high school in New Jersey and then joined the Airforce and fought in the Korean War. When he returned to the states, he attended college where he went on to earn a master’s degree. During this time Eugene met the love of his life, Grace De Pasquale, and they were married on July 14, 1956. They started their married life in New Jersey and then Eugene was offered a job at General Motors and they relocated to Michigan.
The couple made their home in Clawson, and raised their five children there. Eugene was a kind and generous father, and he and Grace made a loving home, enjoying 66 years of marriage together. Eugene had a long and storied career at GM, retiring after 25 years of service to the company.
Deacon Tombler was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Detroit on Oct. 7, 1989. Deacon Tombler served his first and only assignment at Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson from 1989 until his retirement in 2018. He was an active member of the VFW Post #7546 in Dearborn as well.
Eugene leaves many to mourn his passing and to celebrate his life, including his wife, Grace, and his children Mary (Chuck) Dobler, Helen Tombler, Theresa Haught and Susan (Bill) Noonan. His five grandchildren will remember the many good times with their grandfather; his 3 great-grandchildren will love hearing the stories. Eugene’s sisters, Mary Ocello and "Sister" Elizabeth Tombler, will remember him with fondness as well.
Eugene was predeceased by his daughter, Elizabeth Tombler, his brother Rev. Jack Tombler, his sister, Joan Schulhafer and both of his parents.
Deacon Tombler’s funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, December 7, at 11 a.m., at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 581 14 Mile Road, Clawson, MI 48017. In state will begin at 10:30 a.m. There will be no funeral wake.
In lieu of flowers, Eugene’s family suggests donations to the Guardian Angels branch of St. Vincent De Paul at http://svdpdetroit.org/ or donations to this organization may be made at the church the day of the Mass.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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