Thomas J. Ahearn

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Thomas James Ahearn, 58, of Granger, Indiana passed away on August 22, 2023 after a long, difficult illness.

TJ, as he was known to his friends and family, was born on September 4, 1964 to Thomas R. and Marilyn H. Ahearn in St. Louis, Missouri. After moving to South Bend, Indiana, he attended Corpus Christi Grade School, and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1982. TJ went on to study at Purdue University where he eventually earned a degree in Industrial Engineering.

While a student at Purdue, TJ discovered his love for road cycling. He raced for the Road Lobsters and could often be seen blazing down the back roads of West Lafayette in his red, white and green kit. He regularly battled with those same roads (via high speed crashes), and unfortunately, the asphalt usually won. During his years as a Boilermaker, he was also a founding member of Sigma Tau Gamma, a point of pride for TJ. While a Sig Tau, TJ found himself set up on a blind date by one of his fraternity brothers. He didn’t know it yet, but this date would prove to be one of the most important moments in his life.

TJ and Tracy were married in 1988, and lived in Saint Louis and then in New Providence, New Jersey, before returning to the Old Dominion, and establishing their family with the births of Thomas Colin, and Mary Grace. During this time, TJ found his niche when he began a career in the imported plywood industry. After 15 years in Newport News, Virginia, TJ and his family made their new home in northern Indiana where they’ve lived happily for 17 years as members of Saint Pius X Catholic Church.

TJ was the quintessential family man. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a loyal friend. These characteristics are evidenced by the countless, lifelong relationships TJ maintained. In his final weeks, a flood of loved ones from near and far visited their dear friend. Despite his pain and fatigue, he welcomed each of them with a beaming smile and an upbeat attitude, proving that even the most devastating of illnesses could not cause his spirit to waver.

TJ was predeceased by his father, Tom Ahearn. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Tracy; his two children, Thomas (Stephanie) Ahearn and Mary Grace Ahearn; his mother, Marilyn H. Ahearn; and his siblings; Meghan (Dick) Beard, Carrie Espick and Michael Ahearn. TJ will live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best.

A Visitation will be held on August 27, 2023 from 5-7pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr., South Bend, IN 46628. A Vigil will immediately follow the Visitation. The funeral Mass will take place on August 28, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 N. Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530. Prior to the Mass, additional Visitation time will be available beginning at 9:30am.

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