Thomas "Tom" Gangluff

Thomas “Tom” Gangluff, age 68, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025. Tom was a life-long resident of Hilliard, Ohio. He graduated from Hilliard High School in 1976 and while in high school, he studied the carpentry program at Tolles Technical School in Plain City, Ohio. He was very proud of the first house built by his student cohort at Tolles and would often point it out when driving by it on Rt. 42 in Plain City, Ohio. Tom also studied Wildlife Resources Management for a time at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, as he loved the woods, fishing and the outdoors in general. Tom’s love of the outdoors was nurtured by the many long summers he spent at his grandparents’ (Ruth and Harold Barclay) lake front cabin in rural, Ontario, Canada; Tom also had a “pet” fish at the lake in Canada he named Molly. Molly would swim up to the dock when Tom was nearby. Tom loved a good laugh; watching Red Skelton as a child and later MASH and Hogan’s Heroes were his favorites. His other interests included history, especially the Civil War and World War II, coin collecting and cooking up new recipes. Tom adored children and babies; he cherished his nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. In particular, he was the master planner of the annual Easter Egg hunt for the kids in the family. Tom loved animals, especially his sheltie, Jessica and his cat Callie. His soft spot for animals led him to volunteer regularly at Columbus Humane over a period of years. During his working life, Tom was known to be a very hard-working employee, rarely taking time off, and he finished his working life at the Anthony Thomas Candy Company where he spent 14 years. Tom’s final months were spent in the wonderful care of the staff at Mayfair Village Nursing and Care Center where they referred to him as “their buddy”. Additionally, he was very well-taken care of by the staff of Bella Care Hospice. Tom’s life had many struggles and challenges, but he persevered bravely and now rests in eternal peace with the Lord and loved ones who preceded him.

He is preceded in death by his parents: father Melvin Gangluff, Jr. and his mother Joy Gangluff; stepmother Ann Gangluff; maternal grandparents John and Cordelia Travis, paternal grandparents Melvin Gangluff, Sr. and Ruth and Harold Barclay; nephews Anthony Gangluff, and Michael Gangluff; and maternal aunts and uncles.

Tom is survived by his siblings: Ted (Sherry) Gangluff, Sheri Gangluff, Tamie Gangluff, Carla (Brian Treece) Baker, and Stephen Gangluff; beloved nieces and nephews: Amy (Adam) Grandstaff, Jamie (Steve) Terry, Joe (Alexis) McCann, Eli (Michaela) Baker, Audrey (David) Sparks, and Keely (Gatlin) Luke; many cherished great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and life-long friend Mike Beatty.

The family will welcome friends for Visitation on SUNDAY, April 13, 2025, from 2:00-3:30pm, with Funeral Service starting at 3:30pm, with Pastor Steve Whitaker officiating, at the TIDD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 5265 NORWICH STREET, HILLIARD, OHIO, 43026.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Columbus Humane, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Drive, Hilliard, Ohio, 43026, or online at columbushumane.org. Or Plant a tree in Tom’s memory by going to https://www.plantmemorialtree.com/ and you can purchase a tree to be planted in his memory.