James "Tom" Schonter, Sr.

Tom Schonter, 60, of Toledo, OH, passed away unexpectedly January 26, 2021, at Mercy St. Vincent Hospital. He was born September 10, 1960, in Washington, D.C., the son of George Frederick (Tom) and June Violet (Whiteman) Schonter.

Tom gradated from Bedford High School, Class of 1979. He married Margaret M. Kitzmiller on July 19, 1980 at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio. Together they raised two children. His last occupation was maintenance at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing at Sylvania.

Tom was known for his love of Nascar, Bud Light, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Michigan Football; but he is best known for his love of his family and friends. He was born in Washington, D.C. but eventually moved to the Toledo area where he resided for the remainder of his life. 

Tom married the love of his life, Margaret, in July of 1980. He told his sisters, "I think I'm going to marry her" and so he did, and they remained married for forty years. Margaret was his purpose, his world, and truly his soul mate. He sought to always take care of Margaret. Tom embraced Aaron immediately and he was "dad" and together they had another son, Jimbo. Tom enjoyed coaching and traveling with Jimbo's baseball teams throughout the years he played. He found true joy in spending time with those who called him "Papa"; his five grandchildren: Mallory, Bryce, Conner, Brennan, and Emmy and great-grandchild: Braxton. To the outside world Tom had a tough exterior, with his "unique" nicknames and jokes. But those who really knew him, knew him as a man who would do absolutely anything for anyone. He could fix anything and everything and spent most of his life working in construction/maintenance. On a typical weekend, Tom would be watching a Michigan or Steelers game or a Nascar Race with a Bud Light in hand surrounded by his family and friends. He often spent time at MIS or on the lake with friends. Tom was the type of dad and Papa that any child would want; he would make you laugh until you cried, got down on the floor and wrestled with you, helped you through something tough, and was stern when needed. Anyone who knew Tom was truly blessed to have known such a genuine, great guy and he will truly be missed. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Melvin Schonter; father-in-law, Floyd Kitzmiller and mother-in-law, Ann Kitzmiller (Sniadecki); brother-in-law, James Kitzmiller.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; sons, Aaron (Mary Jo) Leszkai and James Schonter, Jr. (Angie); grandchildren, Mallory (Alex), Bryce, Conner, Brennan, Emmy; great-grandchild, Braxton; sisters, Fran Oliver, Paula (Thomas) Sanner, Gina Glover; brother, Jack (Sue) Schonter; sisters-in-law, Liz (Bob) Young, Sue (Mark) Faunt, and Marcie Kitzmiller; brothers-in-law, Terry Kitzmiller, Pat Kitzmiller, Tim (Debbie) Kitzmiller, Steve (Lori) Kitzmiller; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Tom’s legacy continues through the lives he touched as well as his final act of selflessness; Tom donated tissue to help others and improve research. The family would like to thank all the nurses and healthcare workers who helped care for Tom in his home.

As Tom was well known for throwing huge super bowl parties, his family would like to throw him one last celebration, on Super Bowl Sunday, to celebrate his life.

His family will be receiving friends for limited visitation (masks must be worn, 30 guests in the funeral home at a time, and social distancing will be observed inside facilities; please limit visiting to 10 min. or less so others may come in to pay their respects) at the Castillo Funeral Home 1757 Tremainsville Rd. Sunday February 7th after 1PM followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 4 PM.

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