Thomas R. Paskert 1947-2025

He was born Jan. 11, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of late Richard P. Paskert and Gwendolyn M. Palmisano Paskert.

He attended grade school at St. Patrick School in Kent, and graduated high school at the Kent State University School in 1964. After high school, he attended Kent State University briefly before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was ranked an SP6, which was used for personnel with specialized technical and leadership roles; he received the National Defense Service Medal. After serving in the Army, he attended Kent State University and completed his MBA in international business and finance, receiving the 1974 award for outstanding business graduate.

He worked at TRW in Cleveland for 13 years, where he was promoted to various finance and manufacturing positions, ending with director of business planning for the automotive worldwide division. He spent one year of that time during the Reagan Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce as an exchange adviser on automotive affairs and general aviation for the U.S. Under Secretary for International Trade. He later accepted the position of CFO at Litco International in Vienna, where he spent more than a decade and met his future wife. In 1999, he took the role of CFO at Millwood Inc. of Vienna. During his years at Millwood, he helped build and grow the new company. He enjoyed every minute of it. Tom always strived for success; he left everything he was involved in better than when he found it. He retired in 2013, but continued as a trusted advisor until his death.

He met the love of his life, Sara Elizabeth Holesko, while working at Litco International; they married Nov. 12, 1994, and enjoyed 30 beautiful years together. Over 30 years, Tom and Sara shared their family with their dogs — Dutch, Bisket and Brixton — and built beautiful family ties. He showed his love by playing host and merging both families together. He was also a loyal friend, maintaining many friendships from childhood.

Tom was larger than life and leaves an impossible hole to fill. His wry sense of humor left everyone saying, “That’s Tom.” He was an avid reader and loved taking opposite views in discussions just to make things interesting. He pushed others to stimulate and use their minds to come to their own conclusions. He was also classic and timeless; he held rock-solid beliefs on love, respect, honor, loyalty, family, his country and God. He will leave a lasting effect on the many lives he touched.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Richard P. and Gwendolyn M. Palmisano Paskert; and his half-sister, Jennifer Paskert Hessler.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara E. Holesko Paskert, and dog, Brixton, of Canfield; as well as his younger siblings, Cecilia (Gary) Rasile of Alliance, Barbara Glenn of Rocky River, Michael (Jean) Paskert of Missoula, Montana, and Phillip Paskert of Monessan, Pa. He is also survived by his mother-in-law; his sisters- and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls. Additional calling hours will be from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, followed by a memorial service, at the funeral home.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Newton Falls, with the Rev. Fr. Zachary Coulter officiating. He will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Full military honors will be performed by the Newton Falls Veterans Honor Guard.

In memory of Tom, flowers, cards and memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org; or the Rescue Mission of Mahoning County, https://rescuemissionmv.org/donate-online-today, which would all be equally appreciated.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.

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