Thomas "Tom" E. Kwest's Obituary
KWEST, Thomas “Tom” E., age 70, of Kettering, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at his residence.
Tom earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Education, with a minor in Physical Education, from the University of Dayton. He retired in 2011 as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service after a 26-year career. He was a faithful member of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Centerville, where he was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus Council #14504 and St. Vincent de Paul. In addition, Tom was involved in the Men’s Club, Man-to-Man program, Eucharist Ministry, Thanksgiving Food Delivery Program, and helped teach several religious education classes and vacation bible school programs.
Caring and helpful, Tom was independent, outgoing, humble, and had never ending faith and trust in God. He never hesitated to share his thoughts and opinions with others. He greatly enjoyed camping trips to Cowan Lake, which became a fond tradition. In addition, along with his loving wife, Sheila, Tom traveled extensively. Among many exciting locations, he always reminisced about the exciting trips he took to Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Guatemala, and Japan. Tom’s father was the athletic trainer at the University of Dayton for 32 years, which resulted in Tom being a huge fan of the Dayton Flyers. He and his wife have had season tickets for over 30 years. He was also a fan of the Cleveland Browns, through the good and bad years. In his free time, he greatly enjoyed getting together with friends to play games and cards. Tom and Sheila collected Department 56 Christmas villages, which he proudly displayed in their home. In addition, he was part of the Queen City Villagers, which is a D56 Christmas village collector group. This ultimately led to many friendships surrounding the collectables. They would travel to each other’s home for decoration inspiration and to enjoy each other’s company. He also enjoyed collecting postal ornaments, figurines, and mementos that involved the postal service. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of hosting Thanksgiving and Easter for family and friends. Due to a welcoming personality, he often had more friends at his home during the holidays than his family members.
Tom volunteered his time and efforts for many advocacy and religious groups. In addition to St. Vincent de Paul and several other religious efforts, he was a huge advocate for cancer research. Specifically, through Kwest for a Cure, he helped raise nearly $100,000 toward leukemia and lymphoma research.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret (Marge) Kwest. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sheila; one brother, John C. Kwest (Marie); and his sister, Anita K. (Rich) Jaszka.
The family will receive friends 5 -8 PM Tuesday, February 18 at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, February 19, at St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Centerville, followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be made at www.connerandkoch.com.
If desired, contributions may be made to:
St. Vincent de Paul, https://www.osvhub.com/st-francis-of-assisi-parish-13/giving/funds (Select- SVDP option at the top right of the page);
Knights of Columbus, https://www.osvhub.com/st-francis-of-assisi-parish-13/giving/funds (Select- Special Collection at the bottom of the page) list KOC 14504 in the notes
Cleveland Hope Lodge https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/cleveland.html (Select Ways to Give)
Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/#donatetoday (Select Ways to Support)
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