Thomas Laviola

Thomas E. Laviola, 68, of Bellevue passed away Sunday, January 18 at the Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.  He was born June 26, 1957 in Bellevue the son of Joseph and Mable (Barnard) Laviola.

Tom was a lifelong resident of Bellevue, graduating from Bellevue Senior High School in 1975. He lived his entire life in the house his father built, a home he cherished.

After graduation, Tom was employed by Mitsubishi Chemical, formerly A. Schulman Inc., until his retirement in 2023.

A member of Immaculate Conception Church, Tom dedicated much of his time to mentoring youth through sports. He was heavily involved in CYO athletics at Immaculate Conception School, coaching numerous basketball teams over the years. His passion extended beyond his own children, as he coached multiple youth softball and baseball teams. He also served as a basketball referee for hundreds of youth games in Bellevue, valuing the opportunity to teach the game while officiating. His love for sports encompassed the Bellevue Redmen, Lady Red, Cleveland sports teams, and The Ohio State Buckeyes, and he could often be seen proudly wearing their colors.

Tom took great pride in his home, and kept the yard meticulously maintained. He especially loved having his family around, creating an inviting atmosphere for his children and their friends in earlier years, and more recently, cherishing visits from his grandchildren.  Tom was always very generous with his time and loved helping others.

Tom is survived by his wife, Deborah (Raifsnider) whom he married August 21, 1982 at Immaculate Conception Church in Bellevue; son, Joseph (Ashley) Laviola of Findlay; daughter, Nicole (Dillon) Eads of Lexington, SC; 4 grandchildren: Myah Eads, Jonah Laviola, Asher Laviola, and Landen Eads; sister, Joanne (Gary) Engler of Bellevue; and in-laws, Ronald and Mary Alice Raifsnider of Bellevue.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, James Laviola and an infant sister, Mary Catherine.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, January 27 from 4-8 p.m. at Foos and Foos Funeral Service, 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue.  Those in attendance at the visitation are encouraged to wear their favorite Ohio sports team apparel.  A funeral Mass will begin on Wednesday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 231 E. Center Street, Bellevue.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Association, the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation (mtkyn.org), or in support of Bellevue youth sports.