Thomas Stanesa

Thomas ?Tom? Stanesa, Sr., son of Eva (Ladar) Poparad and Nicolai Stanesa, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2009 in Indianapolis. Tom, born on April 22, 1915, lived a very full 93 year life. He was a graduate of Hazel Park High School in Dearborn, Michigan and Indiana Business College in Indianapolis. His work career spanned 41 years, retiring from Shumaker Bros. Industries in 1980, and again in 1987 from a 35 year career as owner and operator of the Sundown Haven Motel in Ben Davis. Tom was friendly and an open person who was known to strike up conversations with anyone who was willing to talk and spend the time. Tom was well versed and current in many subjects and regularly demonstrated his insatiable appetite for learning. Although blind for the past 50 years, he taught himself to use a computer and used it faithfully to manage his family financial and business affairs. Tom?s memory was incredibly developed, allowing him to recall details many sighted family members would sometimes conveniently forget. Things most important to him started and stopped with his family. Thomas Stanesa is survived by Rosemary, his wife of 69 years; 5 children, Thomas Jr., James, David, Joyce and Larry; 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and his memory will be cherished by all. Thomas Stanesa?s life and spirit touched almost everyone he met and many considered him a model of integrity, courage and accomplishment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in the name of Thomas Stanesa, Sr., sent to The Foundation Fighting Blindness, 11435 Cronhill Drive, Owings Mills, Maryland 21117-2220, www.FightBlindess.org, (410) 568-0150 or to Saints Constantine and Elena Orthodox Church, 3237 W. 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, (317) 638-4162. Donations may be made at the funeral home during visitation or by mail. Visitation will be held Monday, March 23, 2009 at Stevens Mortuary, 5520 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46224, (317) 247-4493, from 4-7:30 pm, with a 7:30 pm prayer service. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at St. Constantine and Elena Orthodox Church at 11:00 am, with visitation there a half hour prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.stevensmortuary.net