Thomas K. 'Thom' Barbacovi

DAVAO, Philippines - Thomas K. "Thom" Barbacovi, 58, longtime Bessemer resident, died on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, in Davao, Philippines.

On Oct. 13, 1958, Thom Barbacovi was born at Divine Infant Hospital, Wakefield, Mich., to Ray and Jean Barbacovi. As a child, Thom was active and experienced life in a small town surrounded by friends who always found something to do. Thom attended St. Sebastian School and graduated from A. D. Johnston High School in 1976.

Throughout his school years Thom loved sports. He excelled at pass, punt and kick and was proud of his trophies. Thom was a tremendous pitcher and loved baseball. He was also an avid golfer and played for years. Eventually complications resulting from diabetes forced him to stop playing sports, however that did not stop him from living and loving life. Thom enjoyed the out-of-doors and time spent with his friends hunting and fishing.

Thom graduated from Ferris State University with a business degree. Following this, he worked in the grocery business, something which would certainly make his father smile. During the last few years, Thom and his wife operated a small grocery business in the Philippines. During the summer months he was able to use his business skills assisting his brothers with Spectrum Carnival. During many summer evenings on the carnival, Thom spent time with his nephews, Brandon and Evan, and graciously learned to lose at board and card games. You see, Thom had a history of winning and all of his siblings knew that.

Thom was someone who followed his heart and went where the wind took him. He was a free spirit and lived for the moment, even though he had multiple health challenges which began when he was 3 years of age. Thom lived in Australia and the Philippines and loved to travel. He enjoyed meeting people, valued diversity and was always ready to share a story.

Thom was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Barbacovi.

Thom is survived by his mother, Jean; daughter, Rachael (Todd) Baillargeon; his wife, Jean Dumaguit Barbacovi; his brothers, Don (Joanie Lund), Jim, Dan (Paula Prospero) and David (Heather Pelkola); his sister, Carol (Mark Muscoe); a special cousin, Gary Niemi (Chris Orlich); and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Thom's life will be held 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer, with Fr. Dominic Agyapong officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Immediately following you are invited to lunch at Manny's in Ironwood. We hope you can join us and share one of your favorite stories about Thom.

Range Funeral Service, Ketola-Burla Funeral is assisting the family with arrangements. To send on line condolences, visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.