Thom Joseph Haraczy Obituary (1970 - 2022)

Thom Joseph Haraczy, age 51, of Erie, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, June 4, 2022, having been stricken with a massive heart attack while at work at his salon. Thom was born in Erie on August 3, 1970, the son of the late Frank J. and Kathleen H. (Keegan) Haraczy. Thom attended Sacred Heart School and was a 1989 graduate of the former Tech Memorial High School. He was the owner and operator of Possibilities by Thom Hair Salon in Erie for 25 years. As a stylist, Thom was endlessly creative, and his clients were more like extended family members. One of Erie's leading stylists, Thom was Eufora Advanced Training Academy certified and had also served as an instructor. One of his favorite phrases often used was "Peace, Love, and Hair Grease." Thom was not only large in stature, but he also possessed a huge heart and a larger-than-life personality. A true bright light in the sea of humanity, Thom was beyond generous with his time and talent; was kind, loving, giving, and always putting others before himself. He effortlessly brought a smile to the faces of everyone he encountered and was not only loved by so many, but he truly loved many. To know this beautiful soul was to also know his favorite sayings: "Ole All Day" and "I love you huge" as well as to cherish the incredible bear hugs that only he could give. A very natural entertainer, Thom enjoyed participating in the Our Lady of Peace Playhouse productions; his most notable performance was that of King Herod in the musical, "Jesus Christ Superstar". He was especially proud to have been a member of the Rome 2001 Choir which performed for the late Pope John Paul II. The only other rival to his love of serving his clients and traveling extensively was his love of caring for and spending time with his family, his beloved pets, and his wide circle of friends. He was a fiercely loyal confidant and was an inspiration to many for his fearless devotion to equality, acceptance, and gay pride. Thom is lovingly survived by his four sisters: Jeanne L. Haraczy, Maureen R. Haraczy, Barbara L. Waples (David), and Sharon M. Bond (Charles); six nieces and nephews: Alyssa Kramer (James), Jacob, Kayla, and Dustyn Bond, Allie Haraczy, and Nathan Waples; four great-nieces and nephew: Avery, Payton, Jaxon, and Bexley Kramer; and his much-beloved pet Yorkie (and the retail manager of his salon), Steven Michael. Family and friends are warmly invited to call, dressed in your most colorful, rainbow, tie-dye, or gay pride attire, at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Rd. (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.), on Friday from 4 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service to be conducted there at 7 p.m. To keep everyone safe, the family respectfully asks that all guests please wear a face mask to attend services at the funeral home. A second, more festive celebration of Thom's life will also be held at a later date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions in Thom's name may be made to the animal shelter/rescue organization of the donor's choice.