Thomas James Broderick Jr. Obituary

Thomas James Broderick Jr, age 73, of Coloma, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Tom passed peacefully in his home.

Tom was born on October 16, 1952, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Thomas and Elizabeth Broderick. Tom was a lifelong resident of Southwest Michigan. Graduating from Eau Claire High School, he always loved the outdoors and working with his hands. Thomas loved hunting, working on vehicles of all types, and starting many projects around his home. Tom was the owner/mechanic of a racecar in the late 90's, and was very proud of the race team he and his friend Ken Fields created on their own. Tom loved Notre Dame University, especially their football program, and enjoyed sharing that love with everyone he knew. It was a priority of his to make sure all of his grandchildren, and great grandchildren, got to experience a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Tom spent many years worshiping in the Jehovah's Witnesses faith.

Tom was very proud of his family's centennial farming heritage in Hagar Township. He enjoyed sharing stories about the farm with all of his friends and loved ones. Tom retired from the City of Saint Joseph Public Works after 27 years of working as a mechanic. Tom spent several years farming Delaware grapes, on his own land, turning those grapes into his own brand of wine. His wine was sold at stores all over Southwest Michigan, and he was very proud of having the only Michigan based Delaware wine brand. Afterwards, the opportunity arose to work part-time as an Usher at his beloved University of Notre Dame, he could not resist! With the family having been lifelong Notre Dame fans, it was the perfect opportunity to live his dream of being a part of the University. He enjoyed this work for the last six years up until his passing.

Tom is survived by his brothers James Broderick and Charles Broderick. Three grandchildren, Ashley Pearson (spouse Thomas Pearson), Alyssa Wendzel, and Nathan Wendzel, and two great-grandchildren Randy Pearson & Addison Pearson. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Broderick Sr, Elizabeth Broderick, and his beloved only daughter Tracy Wendzel.

Friends and Family whose lives have been touched by Tom may pay their respects at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, Saint Joseph, MI, on Monday, March 17 for visitation at 10:00a.m. with a funeral service following at 11:00a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor, MI.

Those wishing to make a contribution, in lieu of flowers, may do so at stjudes.org/donate

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com