Tom H. Soboleski

Tom H. Soboleski, age 79, longtime resident of Pickford, passed away July 18, 2025. He was born on June 30, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan; the only child of Henry and Emily (Rybinski) Soboleski. He attended Immaculate Conception Elementary and later transferred to St. Joan of Arc Elementary. Tom attended Austin Catholic Prep School in Detroit, where he excelled as a member of the bowling team, graduating with the Class of 1964. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree.

During the summer break while attending university, Tom worked briefly in a small metal shop and factory. He soon realized this was not the career path for him, and in 1968 Tom was drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served overseas in Germany as a skilled sharpshooter. He was selected to join the Army Marksmanship Unit, where he traveled to various countries to compete. His exceptional talent earned him numerous awards and recognition for his outstanding shooting abilities.

While in the Army Tom was introduced to a class of good people who were struggling to learn an easy task. He was able to help them very quickly and the experience inspired his lifelong calling to become a teacher and help students in the same way. In 1972, Tom began a dedicated and fulfilling teaching career with Pickford Public Schools, in a district that served students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Over the years, he taught a wide range of subjects, including English, Literature, Writing, History, Social Studies, Government, and Economics. Deeply respected and well-liked by his students, Tom had the rare privilege of teaching multiple generations within the same families as well as his own children. His devotion to education extended beyond the classroom, as he volunteered his time coaching intramural sports such as basketball, leading the Trivia Team, and assisting with drama productions. Tom retired from teaching in 2007.

Tom was a passionate sports fan who lived an active and adventurous life. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Munoscong Golf Club, where he enjoyed playing in the senior league. He was also a talented softball player, participating in several leagues over the years. A devoted Detroit Tigers fan, Tom rarely missed a game on the radio and made it a point to attend games whenever he visited his sons downstate.

A true outdoorsman, Tom found joy in hunting, fishing, mountain climbing, and boating. He never missed a single day of deer season and was equally committed to bow hunting. Fishing was another of his great passions, especially for walleye, perch, and whitefish. His love of the outdoors often shaped his travels, taking him on fishing trips to the Bahamas and Northern Ontario and mountain climbing adventures in Colorado. His loyal English Setter, Magic, was his constant companion, whether out hunting or sharing peaceful moments at home.

Tom is survived by his loving sons, Michael (Jayne) Soboleski and Toby (Katherine) Soboleski and his grandchildren, Charley, Robert, Henry, Matthew, and Frank. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon with a Funeral Service at Noon at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. He will be laid to rest next to his parents at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to MyMichigan Medical Center Sault – Road to Recovery Fund, 4000 Wellness Drive, Midland, MI 48670 or Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave. Sault Ste. Marie, Mi 49783.