Obituaries

Thomas Kurella, age 73, of Hammond, IN., set off on his journey into the great beyond on April 24, 2023.

His departure leaves behind one granddaughter, Reyna Kurella; four sisters: Margaret Kurella Tierney, Linda Kurella (Lawrence) Okamura, Diane Kurella (late Anthony) Slusarczyk, Laura Kurella (Richard) Taylor; one daughter-in-law, Debra Kurella; and numerous nieces and nephews. Thomas also leaves behind two biological daughters: Mary Ellen Garrett and Kayleigh Gulledge Mitchell, and their extended families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Albert II; and two sisters: Jeanne Kurella Gazafy (Donald) Pasternak, and Nancy Kurella (Stephen) Gormley.

Thomas was the only son of the late Albert and Florence Kurella, which bestowed upon him the honor of being both the eldest and only brother to six younger sisters. This became the catalyst that caused him to coin an expression his sisters will never forget, "Mother, the girls are laughing at me!"

A 1968 graduate of George Rogers Clark, where he excelled in gymnastics, Thomas also studied at DeVry and Indiana University, and thoroughly enjoyed being a lifelong resident of the incredible Calumet Region, spending only a brief time away to explore the Washington D.C. area during his college-age years.

In his early twenties, Thomas experienced the joy of being united in marriage to Cynthia Moulesong, a union that welcomed one child, Albert II, to the earth.

Gainfully employed in the Indiana Harbor, Thomas spent his adult years working as a craftsman at Youngstown (later becoming LTV), and his leisure time enjoying his family and indulging in his lifelong passion for music.

An avid guitarist, Thomas spent every moment he could spare on perfecting his musical stylings, and often shared it with others by appearing in bands, some of which he helped form. In his youth, he and his friends formed The Vanguards, and as an adult he was instrumental in helping form the bands Brass Tack and Apple Alice.

As he aged, Thomas found joy in simply jamming in his basement with friends, a space that served a dual purpose in his life as both jam space and instrument workshop. There he'd spend countless hours bouncing from musician to luthier; playing or conditioning and repairing instruments that people would bring him, both stringed or otherwise.

Throughout his life, Thomas was always able to find himself through his music, which is why he was so tickled to discover that his only grandchild, Reyna, not only shared his same overpowering passion for music, but also shared his deep and abiding love for guitar. This kindred musical connection forged a magical melodic bond between them that made him especially proud of her, and her own musical accomplishments.

In the last decades of his life, the almighty universe connected Thomas to two biological daughters, Mary Ellen and Kayleigh. Fortunate to be gifted with the last decades of his life to create unique and unexpected relationships, he described it as one of the most “mind blowing” experiences to occur in his life.

In his final years, Thomas’ sisters Jeanne, Margie and Diane cared for him, and longtime friend, Paul MacGregor, and Dennis Bock, often with assistance from Dave Michaels, helped to supply extra helping hands.

In accordance with Thomas’ wishes, cremation has taken place. Those wishing to honor his memory are asked not to send flowers or donations, but rather donate to their own favorite charity in his name.