Thomas Joseph Ryfiak

Thomas Joseph Ryfiak, age 59, of Grand Rapids, ascended home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 1st, 2023. Tom always loved a good inside joke so his passing on April 1st was no surprise to those who knew him. In true April fools fashion, he wasn’t declared until later as he insisted on being the hero and donating his precious organs to save lives. Tom’s liver and kidneys have already found their new homes through Gift of Life of Michigan. Tom was born on April 24th, 1963 to the late Jack & Irene Ryfiak. He graduated from West Catholic High School and attended trade school for tool & die engineering at Grand Rapids Community College. Tom followed in his father’s footsteps and spent the majority of his career working in the automotive industry. He was a lifelong fan of hockey, both on and off the ice. He took pride in defending the net as goalkeeper and taking his children to Griffins’ games. Tom raised five children with Kerry: Jacqueline (Kyle) Branderhorst, Bethany (Lucas) Ervin, Stephanie (Jordan) Workman, Levi (Shane) Ryfiak-Norris, and Nathanael Ryfiak (Austin Dara). Tom enjoyed spending time spoiling his only grandson, William Workman, building Legos, slot car racing, playing at the park, and sneaking him candy. Also surviving Tom are his brothers: Ted (Sue) Ryfiak, Matt (Bonnie) Ryfiak, Chris Ryfiak, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Susie. Memorial services will be held 11 am Saturday, April 8th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 3334 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Briony Desotell officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family at the church on Saturday from 10 to 11 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you buy yourself a Coca-Cola and send a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.