Thomas Bernard Pheney, aged 102, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026.

Thomas (Tom) was born in Detroit, Michigan on Valentine’s Day in 1924, to Sylvia and Edward Pheney. He attended school in Detroit and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering at the University of Detroit.

A World War II veteran, as a young man he faithfully served his country in the Navy and was stationed in Texas and Hawaii, working on aviation radio technology.

Tom lived a very long and happy life. He was generous, loving, curious and determined. Ever the Engineer (and an “honorary” accountant), he often sported a pocket protector carrying his favorite pen and a freshly sharpened, well-used pencil, always ready to plan, graph or calculate.

He paved his own path, choosing entrepreneurship. He enjoyed the variety of work, and the satisfaction of meeting new challenges each day suited him. For many years he was in the commercial glass business and in later years launched a lamp manufacturing company.

He was blessed with a long and happy marriage of 68 years to his best friend and beloved wife Gloria. They met and hit it off at a church-sponsored dance from which he walked her home, carrying her extra pair of dancing shoes. Together they had many adventures including building a home together and lovingly raising a family of three children. They celebrated together and met life’s challenges together – a true and loving partnership. Maps in hand, he and Gloria enjoyed many road trips to out-of-the-way places across the US and Canada. A favorite destination was Mackinaw in Northern Michigan to watch sunsets over the Lake, fly kites with the grandkids and enjoy four o’clock martinis, pie from Darrow’s, and his favorite whitefish from Scalawags restaurant.

Tom’s favorite activity was spending time with his family and he did so often. He looked forward to holidays and social gatherings. He was a devoted father and friend – a great listener who loved a good story or joke. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of everyday life - watching the wildlife in his backyard, driving his lawn tractor, long talks and good food (especially salmon and Vernors!) He was truly grateful for the love and life he had.

A beloved father, grandfather, uncle and great-grandfather, Tom is survived by his daughters Susan Pheney and Nancy Weatherford (Jeff); grandchildren Kristen Knauf (Matt), Kyle Taylor (Lauren), Hannah Weatherford (Alex) and Katelyn Weatherford; and many nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. Tom is preceded in death by his wife Gloria and his son Mark.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 16 from 2-5 PM at Manns Family Funeral Home in Livonia. A prayer service will be held at Manns at 3:30 PM.

Funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Sorrows church in Farmington on Monday August 17. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM followed by mass at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the American Heart Association Heart Walk Fundraiser https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/HeartWalk/SWA-SouthWestAffiliate?pg=personal&px=11016270&fr_id=13139 or the charity of your choice.