Thomas Michael Mekara Sr. age 82 of Fernandina Beach, Florida passed away on August 12, 2022, at Fernandina Beach.

Born on September 15, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio to Florence Wells Mekara and Peter Mekara. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and left high school his junior year to serve honorably in the US Navy. After his military service, he wed his long life bride, Daren Estelle Genutis. They were happily married for 47 years.

After his honorable military service, he then retired from the Cleveland Plain Dealer Newspaper after 37 years of service.

Thomas enjoyed watching old TV shows/movies, Football, Golf, working crossword puzzles and fishing. He enjoyed attending Baseball and Football games. Thomas also visited Canada on numerous vacations.

Thomas was a faithful member of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission of Yulee. He donated the handicap railing along the entrance to the Church building.

Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Daren; his parents, Peter Sr. and Florence Mekara; sister, Florence Sabarese; brothers, Peter Jr. and William.

Thomas leaves behind his four children; Thomas M. Mekara Jr. and his wife Tina of Jacksonville, Michael T. Mekara Sr. and his wife Jessica of Hilliard, Coleen S. Mumley and her husband Brian of North Augusta, SC and Richard T. Mekara of Yulee. His sister; June Erickson and husband David of Tempe, Arizona.

Thomas also leaves behind, 11 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Mission in Yulee, FL on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
The family will receive friends in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley Heard Funeral Directors on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Thomas will be laid to rest in the Atlantic Ocean to join his beloved wife, Daren.

Donations may be made in his memory to Fernandina Beach Community Hospice and/or the Ackerman Cancer Institute of Fernandina Beach.