Roy "Tom" Paluska Jr., 78, of Washington, passed away at 10:08pm Thursday, February 2, 2023 at River Crossing of East Peoria.

He was born December 20, 1944 in Peoria to Roy Thomas and Goldie B. Schuler Paluska Sr.  He married Beverly A. Gauwitz on January 21, 1967 in Washington.  She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Matthew Paluska, Gina Antoinette (Tyler) Goostree, Michelle (Scott) Olson, Scott (Tiffany) Paluska; eight grandchildren, Daniel Sawchuk, Grace Sawchuk, Ian Olson, Jamie Olson, Samuel Paluska, Benjamin Paluska, Noah Paluska, Nathan Paluska; and five siblings, Paula Paluska, Glenn Paluska, Marsha Paluska, Mary (Metcalf), and Mark (Lori) Paluska.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Thomas Sawchuk.

Tom worked as a mechanical engineer at Caterpillar Inc., retiring in 2003 with over 35 years of service.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, and the Knights of Columbus, Cursillo, and T.E.C.  He was also a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, and in his youth, Sea Scouts.

Tom was our protector, provider, coach, cheerleader, camping coordinator, fixer of all things, and rescuer. He loved his family, flowers, hummingbirds, knowing how things work and fixing them, model trains, our National parks, fishing, and God. Tom is leaving us wearing one of his favorite fishing shirts, if you would like to honor him please feel free to do the same.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7pm Thursday, February 9th at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am Friday, February 10th at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, with further visitation one hour prior to Mass from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the church.  Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made T.E.C. (Teens Encounter Christ) in Peoria.