Thomas Robert Nahodil

With complete sadness, we share that Thomas Robert Nahodil passed away on February 9th, 2023 at the age of 74 surrounded by loved ones.  Born December 18th, 1948 in Akron, Ohio, he graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School, attended the University of Akron and later served our country honorably in the United States Army.

He was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, and family member/lifelong friend to many.  Tom was always happy to see others and enjoyed life fully.  His warm smile and dry wit made everyone feel welcomed and always looked to help others in any way possible.  His family will miss his top-notch grilling skills and his famous French onion or vegetable soups on those cold Ohio days.  He took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren and many grandpets – all of whom were spoiled rotten in the best way.  Tom had a charitable soul, serving in a variety of ways with passion for the Summit County MRDD and as a board member for the United Way.

Tom had an amazing career in the plastics industry, first working in a variety of roles (machinist, design, and technical sales) before settling at Crown Mold and Machine in 1977.  It was there that he began as a chief engineer, steadily advancing as he honed his craft, and eventually becoming President and Co-owner, transforming it into a highly successful organization.  In 2000, he began a new chapter, moving into a minority ownership role with Industrial Mold and Machine, again in the title of President. He was instrumental in growing the organization in a variety of ways with his partners through 2014.  In semi-retirement, Tom enjoyed working part-time with Step2, bringing his wealth of knowledge to new challenges.  As he always would joke, 'molds are my life'.  He simply loved seeing how they helped in the many products used around the world.

Tom had a passion for cars - knowing every year, model, part and the history of automobiles.   The Father's Day car show at Stan Hywet and Riverfront Cruise In each Monday are events that he cherished, among others.  Over time, he owned a wide variety of cars from around the world (Vintage cars, English roadsters, American muscle cars, etc).  He graciously donated rare tools built for his 1929 Model A (affectionately named Lily) to the Gilmore Museum in West Michigan that is still on display today.  At 50, he re-energized his love of motorcycles, a promise served to his father to patiently wait until that age before getting a bike.  He traveled across the entire United States with various friends and family along with his bride, who always made sure they had a safe journey.  For thirty years, Tom took great pleasure in making a variety of delicious wines, a six-month annual process that always ended with joy and occasionally an aspirin.  Another passion in which he had expansive expertise centered around gardening.  His love of flowers and plants led to beautiful landscapes that brought much joy and calm to all.   With all these skills, he had both green and red thumbs and greasy hands!

His patience was always on display as he tolerated the ups and downs of his family's love for the Cleveland sports teams – a pursuit that rarely paid off but always served to bring them together.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals that cared for him, especially Summa Hospice.  Their expertise and empathetic care served his wish to remain in his home to the end.  He always said that, along with all those that professionally cared for him, that his wife was the prettiest nurse by his side.

Tom is survived by the love of his life, Becky (Guagliardo), daughter Alice (Jamie), sons Matt (Tina), Nick (Kris), Tom and Adam, grandchildren Nicholas, Noah and Nathan, sister Sharon (Alexander), and mother-in-law Catherine along with countless extended family.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hazel, brother Jeff and father-in-law Tony.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 14th from 4-7PM at the Donovan Funeral Home, 17 Southwest Avenue on the historic Tallmadge circle.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 15th at 11AM with visitation one hour prior.  Beloved family member, Father John Hengle, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to your favorite charity in Tom's name.