Joseph Thomas “Tom” Orzulak

Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Thomas “Tom” Orzulak, 67, Lawrence will be held at 10:00am, Friday, August 10, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. He passed away Monday, August 6, 2018 at his home.

Tom was born July 14, 1951 in Pittsburgh, PA., the son of Frank “Frosty” and Helen (Donnelly) Orzulak. Raised in Port Vue, PA, he was a 1969 graduate of South Allegheny High School and in 1974 earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts at California State College in California, PA. He taught metal shop at Plum High School for 5 years and was a supervisor for PennDOT, Lovedale District, for a number of years. He was a proud member of the Port Vue Volunteer Fire Company. After a move to Lawrence, KS in 1985, Tom was the director of parking services at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, KS before landing his dream job as Street Division Manager for the City of Lawrence for 23 years, retiring in 2013.

He married Patricia Smith on May 17, 1975 in Versailles, PA. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include his son Matthew, of Lawrence, daughter Elizabeth “Cissy” Lenhart (Steve) of Overland Park, KS, and granddaughters Amelia and Claire Lenhart. His beloved family was the joy of his life.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother Francis M. Orzulak

A Parish Rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by a visitation from 6:00- 8:00 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers the family would ask for memorial donations to Just Food here in Lawrence, KS and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

12 Condolences

  1. Tammy Bennett on August 7, 2018 at 8:43 am

    Pat, Matthew, and Elizabeth —
    I am SO sorry for your loss, and hope all the wonderful memories of Tom will carry you through these hard times. I loved working with your dad. He had so much love for his family and pride in his kids. I remember the day he showed me the wedding clipping from the newspaper he still carried in his wallet of his true love, Pat. My heart is with you during these times.



  2. Diane Stoddard on August 7, 2018 at 8:50 am

    I am so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. It was great working with Tom- I will always fondly remember his great smile and hearty laugh. My condolences to his family.



  3. Tom & Linda Lee on August 7, 2018 at 10:21 am

    We will miss seeing Tom’s everlasting smile. I will think of you everytime I go for my infusion at the LMH oncology department. You are in our prayers.



  4. Ron King on August 7, 2018 at 6:58 pm

    Pat, Cissy & Matt, I am so sorry. Man, this is a tough thing. Tom was a great guy so hopefully the memories will help to sustain you. Pat, if I can help in any way as someone who is also traveling this journey, please let me know. Trust in God’s mercy and plan. To God the glory.



  5. barbara orzulak dougherty on August 7, 2018 at 8:03 pm

    patti and family, i know we were never close but my heart is breaking for you right now. all i can do is pray and i will.—–love—-



  6. Susan Marie Guido on August 7, 2018 at 8:13 pm

    Tom smiled so deep and true that it penetrated those fortunate enough to see it and feel the sincerity. That smile is the same I see in his children, a legacy of love. Dearest Patti, my sweet cousin. All my love and thoughts and prayers to you all.



  7. MIKE AND ROSEMARY on August 7, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    Dear Pat and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, may he rest in peace…Mike Hadl…Streets…



  8. Nanette Salvaggio on August 8, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    Dear Patti, My love and thoughts are with you and your children.



  9. Jim and Ginny O’Connell on August 8, 2018 at 1:56 pm

    Pat, Matt and Cissy,
    Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of you. May Tom Rest In Peace!



  10. alice terry on August 11, 2018 at 12:40 am

    Pat a note to let you know im thinking of you ,your son and daughter. So sorry ,I pray God will give you strength for these days. I know you have good memories .And they will bring a smile to you



  11. Nadine Lackovic on April 10, 2021 at 8:45 pm

    Omg Patricia… just found OUT about Tom Orzulak’s passing two years late. I went to school with you. I worked at the Port View Police Dept for 3 years while going to school with you. It’s Nadine Beech. God Bless Tom. He was the best friend forever. He so much loved you. This is such a big lose. His heart was so big to everyone in Port Vue Pa. So sorry way to young. Have peace my friend. Sure you don’t remember me but my heart goes out to you. GOD BLESS !! Sorry so late to see this. Xxoo



  12. Nadine Lackovic on April 10, 2021 at 8:46 pm

    So sorry meant loss… we be older now. Whoops!



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