Thomas J. Harsch

Thomas James Harsch, 65, of Northfield Village, Ohio, passed away on December 3, 2015 at Cleveland Clinic Hospital after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He leaves countless loving memories to be cherished by his loving wife, Randie Lyn Rhodes (nee Butterfield), his three children: Kelley Neal (Ryan), Elizabeth Harsch (Dan Zaniewski), Thomas A. Harsch (Ashlie Clair), his two grandchildren, Laney and Julian, and his former wife and friend, Barbara Harsch.  He is survived by his siblings, Carol Lopez (Joe), Michael Harsch (Olma Gonzalez), William Harsch (Cindy), Rebecca Schnitzler (John), Nancy Harsch, James Harsch, David Harsch (Diane), Teresa Hood (Thomas), Vivian Carpenter (Mark), Norman Harsch, and Laura Harsch (Erin Korff) and his brother-in-law Ryan (Veronica) Butterfield.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Laverne Harsch and James I. Harsch, step-mother Virginia Harsch, and brother John Harsch (Laura).  He was a loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews and will be missed by his two dogs, Cooper and Walker.

Thomas was born in Denver, Colorado and grew up in the Cleveland area, graduating from Mayfield High School.  After high school, Thomas enlisted into the United States Marine Corp, where he served 2 years (active) and 4 years (reserves) duty as a Reconnaissance Marine in the 1^st Recon Battalion, Alpha Company, First Platoon, stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  He received numerous distinctions, including the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and more.  The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as his family and friends will attest.  Thomas pastored Agape Fellowship Church for many years and later became a Commissioned Minister with Faith Fellowship Church.  He was an avid sports fan, loyal and dedicated through many losses, and enjoyed bird watching, reading and studying his Bible. He was a man devoted to enriching lives by bringing those around him closer to their faith, holding frequent Bible studies and challenging individuals to pursue a deeper understanding of the Word of God and their relationship with Him.  Thomas was a generous person who readily devoted his time, finances and compassion for everyone. He was loved and respected across generations by all who knew him.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Thomas 5-8 PM TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2015 and 9 AM until the time of Tribute Service at 10:00 AM WEDNESDAY December 9, 2015 at Faith Fellowship Church, 10277 Valley View Road, Macedonia, Ohio 44056.  Luncheon immediately after Service with Burial following at 2:30 PM at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery 10175 Rawiga Road, Rittman, Ohio 44270.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family at Faith Fellowship Church.