Obituary of Steve Tomas

Steve (Stijepo) Tomas, son of the late Vlaho Tomas and Anna (Dedo) Tomas was born on April 19, 1941 in the small mountain village of Osojnik in what is now southern Croatia. He only attended primary school but what he lacked in formal education, he more than made up for it in life experience. As a young boy, he worked the farm and tended to the livestock prior to being called away to serve his mandatory two years in the Yugoslav army. Seeing as taking orders all the time did not sit too well with him, he went to work as a merchant marine once his army service was done. There, he had the opportunity to see the world, visiting numerous cities and ports throughout six continents. Once settled in the States, he loved to ask any stranger with a foreign accent, “What country you from, my friend?” What usually followed was several minutes of him regaling him/her with how he once made a stop in their country and got to see this town or that city and how he enjoyed the people. Later, the promise of the United States called to him. He left his life on the seas and came to California, briefly, before making his way to Philadelphia. He found work in the meat packing industry, where he would remain until being forced to retire due to the illness that would ultimately take him from us. He lived a full bachelor's life for the better part of a decade until finally going back home to visit, where he met and married his wife, Luce. The two wed in 1977 and remained united until his death. He soon brought his bride to America and they settled in Port Richmond. This union blessed him with two sons, Steve Blase and Ivo. Doing his best to help however he could during the Croatian War for Independence, he often sent aid back home and followed the war's developments closely. His charitable nature resulted in the rebuilding of his village church, among other things. There were also many instances where he anonymously sent aid, the knowledge that he was helping his fellow countrymen back home being a source of great comfort to him. When not working his customary long hours at the meat packing plant, he found gratification and solace on deep sea fishing outings and taking day trips down the shore. He will be greatly missed for his warm and generous spirit and his penchant for storytelling, often mixing wild tales with half-truths and exaggerated anecdotes for the benefit of the listener. Not one to let the opportunity to get a laugh pass by, Steve reveled in holding court with guests and was at his best with a drink in hand and a funny quip at the ready. Steve remained a devoted father and husband until quietly departing this life on January 25, 2022 after a long illness. He died peacefully at home, hand in hand and surrounded by his sons and dear wife. He was preceeded in death by his sister, Marta, and brother, Nikola and brothers-in-law, Niko and Duro. His life is celebrated and will remain cherished by his aforementioned wife and sons; nephews, Jozo, Stijepo and Vlaho, Robert and Tomislav, Mario; nieces, Cvijeta, Ana, Ruzica and Marija; sisters-in-law, Nika, Marija and Anica; brothers-in-law, Bozo and Damjan, as well as a host of cousins, friends, neighbors and extended family back home. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing from 9:00am-10:30am on Monday, January 31, 2022 at Reilly-Rakowski Funeral Home (2632-34 E. Allegheny Ave. Phila, PA 19134). Funeral mass to follow at 10:30am at St. Adalbert’s Roman Catholic Church (2645 E. Allegheny Ave. Phila, PA 19134). Burial at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery (4268 Richmond St. Phila, PA 19137) to follow mass. All are welcome to attend. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you direct your generosity towards the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street #250, Philadelphia, PA 19106 or visit their website https://www.alz.org/delval