Trending
1941-2026
SALEM -- Thomas Joseph Moyer, 85, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at Summa Health System in Akron.
Born on May 10, 1941, in Alliance, Ohio, Tom was the youngest child of Floyd D. and Adaline A. (Wanacek) Moyer. He grew up with the values of faith, family, and hard work that would guide him throughout his life. A graduate of Alliance High School, Tom furthered his education at the University of Detroit, where he studied engineering and later received his certification in CNC from a local trade school.
For most of his career, Tom worked as a machinist for E.W. Bliss Company, later known as Bliss Salem, and retired from Alliance Machine. Tom was known for his strong work ethic, and his career reflected the steady character that defined his life. He was instrumental in establishing the Employee Stock Ownership Program when E.W. Bliss was purchased by its employees and became Bliss-Salem.
On Oct. 6, 1962, Tom married Carol L. Catlos, and they were blessed with 63 years of marriage. Together they built a loving home in Salem, where they raised their three children and created a lifetime of memories. Just last year, they moved to Cuyahoga Falls to be closer to family. Tom and Carol shared a devoted partnership filled with love, commitment, and the joys of family life.
In Tom's younger years, he enjoyed bowling in leagues and the camaraderie that came with the sport. Many memories were made during yearly family vacations at the Moyer family cabin in Canada, where laughter, togetherness, and simple pleasures like fishing and being in nature became treasured traditions.
A dedicated family man, Tom took immense pride in providing for his family and caring for his home. He made sure the family home and lawn were always well maintained. His greatest joy came from surrounding himself with family and from being a loving grandpa to his five grandchildren. He was also a huge sports fan who faithfully followed all the Cleveland teams and Ohio State, where three of his grandchildren attended. He also was a longtime member of the Italian American Club in Salem, where he spent time with friends and family.
Tom and Carol held a special place in their hearts for the Special Olympics, where their son Joey participated. Tom was a highly organized man, and he used those gifts to support the organization through coaching, fundraising efforts, banquets, and organizing events and outings. He gave his time and energy generously, and he found joy in helping others and being part of something that made a difference in the lives of many.
His faith, integrity, and belief in serving others shaped not only his family life but also his commitment to his fellow workers and his community. Tom was a devout Catholic and a man of faith. He was a longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he attended Mass faithfully on Saturday evenings. He was also a member of the United Steelworkers, Local 3372, where he served as Vice President and President for many years. In 1990, he was part of an international contingent that traveled to the Soviet Union to discuss employee ownership in American worker-owned companies and how that model could be implemented there. He was also a longtime officer in the AFL-CIO, which is an organization of many labor unions and the Columbiana County Democratic Central Committee.
Tom leaves to carry on his memory, his wife Carol; daughters, Theresa (Jim) Croyle of Stow and Susan Moyer of Salem; grandchildren, Hannah (Lindsey) Molnar, Emily, Samantha, Thomas, and Katelyn Croyle; newborn great-granddaughter Emmerson Molnar, whom he was blessed to hold shortly before his passing; and his sister, Dorothy Jeffries of Idaho.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Moyer in 2021; and siblings, John Moyer, Bill Moyer, Mary Thomas, and Wanda Holt.
Family and friends will be received from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State, Salem, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Catholic Church at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be later at Grandview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Ohio by visiting www.specialolympics.org/ohio or to St. Paul Catholic Church, 935 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.
If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.
To view Tom's obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.
7/23/26