Thomas G. "Pappy" Despenes

 Thomas (Pappy) G. Despenes Sr.

A celebration of life will be held on January 29, 2026, at Saint Mary’s Church, 242 North State Street, Painesville Ohio. Tom went on to glory on January 21, 2026, at the age of 86. Tom was born in 1939, in Cleveland and moved to Painesville in 1967. Tom was employed at Eltech Systems Inc. (Electrode), in Chardon for 29 years, before retiring in 1999.

Tom was a secular Franciscan in the Brother Jacopa Fraternity. Tom was passionate of his ministries at Saint Mary’s Church. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, wood-working, travelling with his wife, dancing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed being the pitcher in the family’s annual softball game in Leroy and playing cards at the monthly family card night. He also enjoyed preparing Greek meals and pastries.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria Jean (Bowden), of 66 years; sons, Thomas Jr. (Janice) of Rome Township; Michael (Candece) of Madison Township; Anthony (Miranda) of Painesville Township; and son-in-law Michael Hudson (Debra). He is also survived by his daughter Anna Marie Wood (Rich), of Leroy Township. Tom leaves 9 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas (daddy Tom) in 1950; stepfather, Clarence Painter in 1958; his dear mother, Mary Painter (Fraschetti / Despenes) in 2007; and his daughter, Debra Hudson (Michael) in 2024.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Ave. Painesville. A funeral mass will be at Saint Mary’s Church at 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 29th.  Burial will be at Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

The Family would like to give a special “Thank You” to the Painesville Township Fire and Rescue Station #2, for the numerous times they responded to the house for lift assists and transports to the hospital.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Chidren’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38105

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed.  Please go to stmarypvl.org and click on the Facebook link.

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