Thomas S. Vavul

Thomas S. Vavul, 85, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at his home. He was born on April 28, 1939 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Thomas B. and Margaret (O’Brien) Vavul. Thomas was also preceded in death by one sister, Kathleen Barber, one brother, Steve Vavul and one sister-in-law, Judy Vavul. He is survived by one daughter Lynn (Doug) Short of Granger, Indiana, four sons, Thomas (JoAnne) Vavul of San Francisco, California, Richard (Lorraine) Vavul of Indianapolis, Indiana, Robert (Co) Vavul of Honolulu, Hawaii and John (Heidi) Vavul of Honolulu, Hawaii, twelve grandchildren, Jake Richards, Jordan Richards, Drew Richards, Maddie Richards, Luke Short, Kate Short, Isabelle Vavul, Rachael Vavul, Vonn Vavul, Kaila Vavul, Cage Vavul and Brandon Vavul, one great granddaughter, Myah Richards, one sister Sue Everett of South Bend, Indiana and two brothers, Mike Vavul of South Bend, Indiana and Larry (Patti) Vavul of Granger, Indiana.

Thomas was a 1957 graduate of St. Joseph High School. He served in the Army Reserves. In 1965 he started Atlas Restaurant Supply with his friend Joe Bajdak selling restaurant supplies and equipment on the North side of South Bend. In 1970 they were joined by Thomas B. Vavul who became the third partner. In 1976 Tom became the sole stock holder in the company. Over the sixty years of his leadership he expanded his footprint to cover a majority of Indiana and Michigan. Tom was a loving father and grandfather who was often found at his grandkids sporting events. His last years were shared living next door to his first wife Jean (Rohrbach) Vavul.

A visitation for Thomas will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN. A rosary will be prayed at 4:00 pm in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 10:30 am in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1050 Wilber St., South Bend, IN. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Margaret’s House in honor of Sister Agnes Anne, C.S.C. or The Alzheimer’s Association in Tom’s honor.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all that made Tom’s life comfortable the last few years, especially Ken’ya and Brooklyn.

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