"In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
John 14:2
Dear Beth, MaryAnn, and Philip--
I was shocked and profoundly saddened when a close friend informed me that Bro. Tom had passed away. We just had a long conversation about three weeks ago and he sounded great!
During our talk we reminisced about a lot of things. One was the time he took a number of us to Wheeling, WVA, to see and work with the very poor at the Catholic Charities Neighborhood Center (still going strong!). We recalled the two amazing nuns who ran the place and some of the folks we helped. Bro. Tom remembered it all and laughed with joy.
Bro. Tom and I talked about politics and world events, too, including what the Marist brothers were doing in the Middle East. He especially enjoyed my stories about how Washington is really run and about our “dear leaders.” This always produced sharp comments from him as well as that hearty laugh.
Bro. Tom was also so proud of what Central Catholic had become. He constantly praised Principal Chris Sullivan and the leadership team. Then there was Lazarus House, the place he founded. He could not believe how it had grown and the tremendous good it was doing. Likewise, he was quite proud and had words of high praise for all the leaders, workers, and volunteers who made it happen.
Bro. Tom was a truly remarkable man. So many of us are thankful beyond measure that he was in our lives. He was an extraordinary teacher, incredible mentor, wonderful friend, and one overflowing with compassion and love for the poor, forgotten, and dispossessed.
We will never forget Bro. Tom and everything he did for us and what he taught us.
May His Memory Be Eternal.
With deepest sympathy,
Mike Korbey
Fairfax, Virginia
CCHS Class of 1974
