Submitted by: Dan Rich

Thomas C. Deal

Dec. 9, 1956 - July 31, 2007

South Bend Tribune 8/2/2007
MISHAWAKA - Thomas C. Deal, 50, of Mishawaka, died Tuesday, July 31, 2007, in a work-related accident. He was born in Mishawaka on December 9, 1956, to Larry R. and Lois J. (Wilson) Deal. He was preceded in death by his father.

Tom married Marcia Goddard in Mishawaka on April 15, 1995. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Marcia; a stepson, Nathan (Sara) Lewis of Mishawaka; a daughter, Adrienne Deal, and a son, Chase Deal, both at home. He is also survived by his mother, Lois Deal of Mishawaka; a sister, Pam (John) Allen of Osceola; his brother, Jack Deal of Mishawaka; his grandmother, Marguerite Deal of Osceola; and his mother-in-law, Barbara Goddard of Mishawaka, whom he fondly referred to as Dorothy. Also by his and Marcia's many extended family members.

Tom graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1975. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Mishawaka Wrestling Club, ISWA, NRA, I.B.E.W and was a past member of the De Amicis Club. He was employed with the Mishawaka Utilities Electric Department as an equipment operator, having been employed with the city for 27 years. Tom was a devoted husband and father. He was an avid Notre Dame fan and gun enthusiast. Tom was the best wrestling dad and football coach, and his love for sports was evidenced by his involvement in his son's Mishawaka Wrestling Club and youth football league. He loved the outdoors, particularly working in his own yard. Tom marched to the beat of his own drummer. Tom is loved and will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, August 3rd, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., from 2 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Terry Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to The Chase Deal Education Fund, c/o First Source Bank, P.O. Box 1602, South Bend, IN 46634.

Editor: He apparently tripped and fell into a transformer box around 10 a.m., police said. Deal was working outside a home in the 2000 block of Bennington Drive, according to police.