Thomas Patrick Vizanko

Thomas Patrick Vizanko- age 82 of Swartz Creek, passed away April 30, 2026. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, June 5, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N Adelaide St, Fenton. Visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, from 4PM-8PM at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd, Grand Blanc, with a rosary being prayed at 7PM. Visitation will take place again from 10AM until the time of Mass at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or McLaren Hospice. If you plan on sending flowers, please contact Curtis Flowers (810-720-5181)- Larry and Tom were long-time friends.

Thomas was born October 6, 1943, in Ironwood, Michigan to the late Thomas John and Ethel Juneveve (Mattson) Vizanko. Thomas was a veteran of the United States Army. Following his military service, he spent 34 years in the automotive industry, serving as a supervisor at Fisher Body until its closing, and later at Buick City until his retirement in 1999. He contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours to the American Red Cross over 10 years. He was a member of both St. Pius X and St. John the Evangelist parishes where he served as a Stephen Minister and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Thomas loved the outdoors regardless of the season. He spent winters downhill and cross-country skiing or ice skating. In the summer he could be found golfing, bowling, biking, or tending to his 3.5-acre yard. One of his proudest achievements was a solo bicycle trip from Flint to Ironwood for a family reunion, where he battled exhaustion, rain, and an encounter with a bear.

When Thomas wasn’t outdoors or volunteering, he could be found with a book in his hands. He was an avid reader who quickly plowed through books, thanks to an Evelyn Wood speed reading course. He enjoyed euchre competitions at local senior centers and weekly card games with friends. More than anything, he cherished daily walks with his wife Christine. Tom had an unmatched zest for life. His love for people and the world knew no bounds.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 59 years, Christine (Wickman) Vizanko; children Annie and Fred Vizanko; siblings Jeanne Olsen, John Vizanko, Mary Coon, Anne Margaret Skaarhaug, Teresa-Lutey Galley (Kevin), Janet Harma (Bruce), Joe Vizanko (Maunia), Ally Krahn (Jim) Laura Dinges, and Carol Moore; and many extended family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings James and Kathleen.

Special thank you to the staff at McLaren Hospice- Gabby, Juli, Jamie, Adam and Reese; the staff at Regency Copley Square- Leslie, Christi, and Veronica; and the staff at Fox Hill- Mackenzie, Deb, Jeannine, Melissa, LaTonia, Jeff, and of course Q.

Tributes may be shared at sharpfuneralhomes.com