Thomas Royea

Tom was born in Negaunee, Michigan on August 28, 1939, son of the late James & Vivian Royea. He attended St. Paul’s School until 1955 and graduated from Negaunee High School in 1957. After school, he served in the United States Navy on board the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Essex until he was honorably discharged in 1960. He married Carol Emanuelson on March 2, 1963, and together they raised their two sons and a nephew in Negaunee before her passing in 1999. Following his service to his country, he was a meat cutter in several local grocery stores until he retired from Jack’s IGA Harvey in the early 2000’s.

In his early years, Tom was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Negaunee and was a lifetime member of the Negaunee VFW Post #3165. He was an active member of the American Legion Greenwood Post #114. He met his long-time companion and guardian angel, Julie Collins, in 2000 and they spent 24 years together.

In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing which included many misadventures with his good friend Rube Champion. He liked playing pool with his buddies down at Barr’s Bar and late night Smear games with friends and family. He was a big Green Bay Packer fan, loved to watch western movies, and listen to country music. At times he was known to sing a tune or two when the mood struck him. In recent years, he enjoyed a beer every Tuesday with his son & friends at the American Legion which became known as “Tommy Tuesday”. Each week he tried to win big with his pull tabs.

He is survived by his guardian angel, Julie Collins; his two sons, Tom (Sandra Lambert) Royea of Negaunee, and Kevin (Jackie) Royea of Waconia, MN; five grandchildren, Thomas (Jen Sunblad) Royea of Negaunee, Mitch (Katie) Royea of Minneapolis, MN, Madison (Justin Joyce) Royea of Gwinn, Lydia (Cody) Kuliu of Jordan, MN, and Chase Royea of Negaunee; nephew, Dennes (Jessica) Vien of Neenah, WI; Julie’s son, Bryan of Ely Township; and Katie Lambert of Spokane, WA.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol; his brothers: Robert, James, Raymond; and his sister: Marion Mix.

Honoring Tom’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Interment will take place in the Negaunee Cemetery.

Mr. Royea’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.