Retired High Point deacon
HIGH POINT — Deacon Thomas Jerome Kak passed June 25, 2021, at Hospice of the Piedmont following a brief illness. He was 86.
A funeral Mass and interment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point will be held privately.
A Chicago native, Deacon Kak made High Point his home 50 years ago.
He was born July 22, 1934, and graduated from the University of Tampa with an undergraduate degree and the University of Notre Dame with a master’s degree in English.
He lived his life in service to others. He was employed as a teacher for several local schools including Westchester Academy and Guilford Technical Community College. In addition, he retired from the N.C. Employment Security Commission, where he worked as a career counselor. He and his wife spent many hours in the community volunteering time and talent with High Point Regional Hospital, the Community Clinic of High Point, Open Door Ministries, the High Point Museum and the High Point Theatre. He also performed in many plays for the High Point Theater.
Deacon Kak was ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 11, 1989, by Bishop John F. Donoghue. He served as a deacon for 32 years, including 19 years as a deacon at his home parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus. In retirement from active ministry in 2008, he always expressed his love for the Church and served it with utmost humility.
Many in High Point knew Deacon Kak as a frequent contributor to the letters to the editor section of the High Point Enterprise. He was an avid reader and was often seen around town with his favorite companion, his dog.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Ann Kak. Prior to her death, Deacon Kak and his wife were active members of the IHM parish community. They were involved in parish life, the liturgies of the church and in parish outreach into the community.
He is survived by his daughters, Emily “Phil” Gomez and her husband Rocky of High Point, Debra Lynn Welborn and her husband Robert of High Point, and Kali Griggs of Greensboro; grandchildren, Racheal Newman, Mackenzie Welborn, and Taylor and Tyler Griggs; and a great-grandson, David Byerly.
The family requests memorial contributions to be sent to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Dr., High Point, N.C. 27262.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.wrightfs.com.
Wright Funerals-Cremations was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald