from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Thomas Aquinas Croarkin, 65, died March 16, 2015.

A bona fide South Side Irishman, Mr. Croarkin grew up in Chicago and cheered for the White Sox and Notre Dame. After completing an English degree at DePaul University, he worked as a newspaper reporter and editor in the south suburbs before moving to Moline, Ill., to pursue his lifelong dream of announcing horse races at Quad City Downs. He never missed a call and brought much joy and many winners to the members of his QCD Handicapping Club, where he was assisted by his wife, Marytherese.

In 1988, Tom and Marytherese moved to Columbus where he worked briefly at Scioto Downs and then Chemical Abstract Service. He retired from CAS in December 2012 after 23 years of service in varying roles.

A gifted writer, Mr. Croarkin shared wit and wisdom with the life stories he wrote as part of his weekly call reports in which he raised everyone “above the rubble” of life. Colleagues honored him by compiling them into a bound book on his retirement.

An active member of St. Christopher Parish, he served as sacristan, bulletin editor and contributor, lector, Eucharistic Minister and ministry chair. Tom loved God, his family, his friends, a good pun, a fine wine, an exciting horse race, and a positive attitude.

Mr. Croarkin is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Marytherese (nee Minster); brothers, David (Joyce) and Daniel (Christine); sister, Martha (William) Brennan; sister-in-law, Sharon Carlson; brother-in-law, Dr. John (Peg) Minster; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Mildred Croarkin; niece, Mary Martha; nephew, Stephen; and brothers, Walter and Albert.

His family will receive friends on Monday (March 23) from 4-8 p.m. at the John Quint Treboni Funeral Home, 1177 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus. Funeral Mass is at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday (March 24) at St. Christopher Catholic Church, 1420 Grandview Ave., Columbus. Burial is on Saturday (March 28) at 11:30 a.m. at Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood, Ill.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Vincent DePaul (care of St. Christopher Parish in Columbus) or Trinity School (Columbus) Altar Server Scholarships.