Thomas J. McPhail born to Anna and Ralph McPhail in Detroit Michigan. Anna passed away when Tom was a very little boy and eventually Ralph remarried and brought Christine into Tom and his brother Jack's life as a loving stepmother.

Tom was Baptized, Confirmed, Educated and Married at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Detroit Michigan where he met the love of his life Arlene. They became friends in elementary school, a couple in High School, and began their 69-year marriage shortly thereafter. Tom and Arlene would become parents to six children. Catherine Beerbower (Wayne), Rita McPhail (Nicholas Koenigsknecht), Robert (Janice), Barbara Streed (Daniel), James (Amy) and Joseph (Kelley). Through those very blessed children they were gifted with 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Tom completed his degree at University of Detroit while raising small children. He began his working life as a reporter at the Detroit Free Press. He worked as a public Relations Specialist for the Detroit Water Board and then took a job with a private company where he handled the PR for the Michigan State Fair and managed political campaigns including those for the Mayor of Detroit and the Secretary of State of Michigan. Then Tom became an entrepreneur and established Tom McPhail Associates. He specialized in Publication Management and went on to publish the Michigan Catholic and, Building Trades Newspapers. Tom acquired as a client the Detroit Police Officers Association (DPOA) and could often be seen on the 6 o'clock news with his pipe in hand answering reporter's questions. He published the union's newspaper, the Tuebor,  for over 25 years. He also became a franchise owner of The Finderbinder which was a media directory before the internet was on the scene.

Tom didn't believe in sitting still and in addition to being a dad to a lot of children he showed those children a great example by giving of his time as a volunteer. Tom was always involved in the church. First at St. Rita's, then at Christ the King Parish where he raised his children, and finally at St. Gerald's Catholic Church in Farmington where he ushered, and was very active in the Knights of Columbus. Tom held many positions as a Knight but his favorite was organizing a big meal in the church kitchen and mentoring new Knights.

Perhaps the most epic of his volunteer projects was his role in founding the Rescue the Rouge project in the early 70's which, in some form, is still happening today. Tom was a member of the Michigan United Conservation Club and as such became aware that the Rouge River was literally being strangled with debris and downed trees. Tom was chosen to lead the effort to clean up a section of the river. He was recognized by several national conservation groups for the successful completion of those first few annual cleanups.

When Tom retired, he turned into a foodie. He became especially fascinated with the bread baking process and really spent a lot of time perfecting the Artisan Breads and Focaccias that he loved to share. He also really loved to teach people how to bake. Many grandchildren were thrilled to be in the kitchen with Grandpa learning how to make bread or pasta.  He gave them all a special bread baking bowl upon completion of the "class". Tom even taught a few bread classes at church.

Tom was a walking encyclopedia. He never forgot a face or a fact. In almost any conversation he would have some story about a person or place. He even was asked to lead tours of downtown Detroit where he would tell his audience all about the buildings and the history of the city.

Tom never met a stranger. He would go get a flu shot and come out knowing where the nurse went to school and how many children she had. He also was known to mentor, rescue, and support many people. He would literally give people the shirt off  his back.

Tom's blue eyes sparkled the most around his family. He adored Arlene, his wife and best friend of pretty much his entire life. They loved to travel and spent quite a few winters driving down to Florida for a few weeks each year. When the very populated family group would get together, Tom would just smile and take it all in. He never liked to miss a gathering.

Tom's faith was a huge part of his life and he led by example. Go to church, Be kind to your wife. Take care of your family. Be Kind. Give Back.

He will be missed but never forgotten.

The McPhail family will receive guests on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 3-8 pm, with a 7 pm Rosary, at the funeral home.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 11 am (in state 10:30 am) at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 21300 Farmington Road, Farmington.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to the

Capuchin Soup Kitchen PO BOX 772091 Detroit MI 48277-2091

Or www.cskdetroit.org