Thomas Joseph Corrigan Jr.

Thomas Joseph Corrigan Jr., age 42, left this world on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at 1:34 p.m. EST. He passed quickly and peacefully after a three-month battle against injuries and complications following a motorcycle accident, which occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2020.

Tom was a one-of-a-kind personality! A big guy, who stood 6’3” and could look intimidating, he had a ready smile, great heart, kind eyes, and sense of humor that had no limits, (which he got from his Mother). Tom was very intelligent and had an extremely quick wit. He was a person who had a sarcastic comment or funny joke or story for every situation. He made friends with nearly everyone he met; however, the more he liked you, the more of a target of his jokes and quips you became. Amazingly, though, he had a way of making you laugh with him, at yourself, and he was never, ever mean-spirited about it. He could take it just as good as he could give it. His loves included his fiancé, “Michie,” spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, 49ers football, 70’s and 80’s rock music, checking his Dad’s garage for new gadgets he may not have yet, his German Shepherd, Sampson, and, unfortunately, feeling the wind in his face during a long motorcycle ride.

He grew up a very loved member of an extremely large extended family and has kept them laughing for years, starting at a young age. As a young tyke taking a walk with his Grandmother, he wandered toward the street. She called him back toward the sidewalk and scolded him, asking him where his brain was that day. He responded, “I left my brain at home, Grandma, but I brought my sense of humor along!” He has carried it with him every single day since then.

Tom graduated from North Central Area Schools in 1995, the same year as his “Irish Twin” sister, Chrissy. He then attended Bay de Noc Community College and received an Associate’s Degree in Electronics in 1997. After graduating college, Tom spent several years in Tennessee, working with his Uncle, rebuilding transmissions. He returned to Michigan in early 2000. He worked at various jobs in the area and purchased a house near Vulcan, Michigan. During this time, the family welcomed Tom’s nieces, Claudia, in 2001 and Kendalyn, in 2003. He was a fantastic Uncle, although he did try to use the girls to “pick up chicks” more than Chrissy would have liked. He showered them with love and affection and teased them relentlessly growing up, eventually taking them both over to the “dark side” to help him taunt their Mother relentlessly instead, making them partners-in-crime. He set the perfect example of a strong, caring man for the girls to know, a trait he learned from his Father.

Tom worked for Nelson Paint in Kingsford from 2001-2005, and it was there that he met his fiancé, Michelle. His sense of humor was what sparked the attraction and she laughed at his smart mouth right through to the end, getting a laugh from Tom in the hospital after his accident by telling him, “We can’t have anything nice!” and laughing at him asking her to help him “blow this joint” while in the ICU. Michelle was at his side every moment she was able as he fought the battle to try to recover from his injuries.

He and Michelle began dating in 2007 and built their life together in Kingsford, Michigan. Through Michelle, Tom had an instant family, forging amazing relationships with Michelle’s adult children, and especially her grandchildren and the great-grandchildren to come. He became an influential and loving member of the family to those already here, and enjoyed the excitement and pride of preparing for and welcoming those grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, that arrived during their relationship. Papa Tom had a way with kids of all ages and absolutely adored his grand and great-grandchildren, and the feeling was mutual.

Tom became a member of the IBEW 2150 in 2012 and has worked in the industry since, traveling to job sites in Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Illinois, and Florida, which is where he was when the accident occurred and when he passed away, surrounded by his parents, sister, nieces, and beloved fiancé, Michelle.

Tom is survived by his parents, Tom & Geri Corrigan; his sister, Christine Corrigan-Persons, and his nieces, Claudia and Kendalyn Persons, Maternal Grandmother, Arline Scott; paternal grandmother, Jeanne Corrigan, his aunt, Ruth Blahnik, and uncle, Allen Blahnik, who were also his godparents, and many aunts and uncles, including Bill and Shar Corrigan, Jennine (John) Whitens, Pinky (Ken) Betters, Jim Scott, Sean Scott, Joyce (Leo) Labre, Dick (Linda) Corrigan, Ivy Hammerberg, Beth (Dennis) Peterson, Boyd (Sue) Corrigan, Don (Janet) Corrigan, and many, many cousins and their families. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Claude Corrigan, Keith Stuart, and Jim Scott, and his Aunt Patricia & Uncle Gordon Lemerand, Aunt Barb Hammerberg, and uncle Eugene Stuart.

Tom is further survived by his fiance of 13 years and the love of his life , Michelle Fletcher; her children, Herb (Jennifer) Fletcher, Tracy (Michael) Klingenberg, and Sara Weber; grandchildren, Sydney Fletcher (Tony), Sierra (Cody) Howorth, and Bruce Fletcher; Emily Johnson (Darren), Joshua Fletcher (Faith), Andrew Fletcher, Clara (Sam) Ryder, and Maryl Irwin (Preston); Madalyn and Paisley Weber; great-grandchildren Aida, Harvey, Weston, Brantley, Axel, and Norah.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020, Open House-style, at Tom and Geri Corrigan’s residence, beginning at 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Celebration will be indoor/outdoor, so please dress casually, for the weather, and feel free to bring your favorite lawn chair.

Social distancing will be observed and masks may be worn. If not feeling well, we appreciate you sending your regrets and celebrating with us from afar.

If unable to attend, condolences may be sent to Michelle Fletcher at 1912 Skidmore Drive, Kingsford, MI 49802 and/or Tom & Geri Corrigan, N15985 County Road 557, Wilson, MI 49896.