Thomas “Tommy” Ristas, 90, of Elyria, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2022 at the Abbewood in Elyria. He was born June 9, 1932 in his home just down the street from St. Mary’s Church, at 1614 Middle Ave. Tommy was a lifelong resident of Elyria, apart from the time he served in the USAF that took him to Oregon, and the Island of Guam during the Korean War. He was a 1950 graduate of Elyria High School, where he played Football and Baseball, and could run like the wind. Through St. Mary’s Parish he was involved in the Cursillo movement. He also seemed to find time between two full-time jobs to be the Director of Little League East for several years. Sports was a love of his. He knew the game of Baseball from the inside out, and in his latter years could be found with his wife Estelle watching the Cleveland Indians playing ball. His critique of the game astounded those that were sitting nearby because he could easily talk of the game within the game with ease and expertise. In his younger years, he was an excellent baseball player himself and taught many young people the nuances of the game. His biggest Love throughout his life was for Family. God, Family, Country was the way he lived his entire life from his simple beginnings on Middle Ave. until the day he went home. Tommy and Estelle enjoyed spending their winters in Clearwater Beach after his retirement from the United States Postal Service. As a letter carrier for the USPS he also served as the superintendent of the N. Ridgeville office until his retirement. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Estelle (nee Koons); daughters, Tanas (Mark) Wilcox, and Benitta (Ed) Kohl; sons, Brad (Pamela) Ristas, and Gust (Pamela) Ristas; grandchildren, Adrienne, Alexandra, Rachael, Gus, Samantha, Duke, Lucy, Luke and Sarah; great-grandchildren, Costa, Jett, Colt, Sadie Jo, Cal, Drake, A.J., Jackie, Anastasia, Flynn, Andie and Johnathon Thomas, and sister, Benitta Nichols. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kosta and Filareti Ristas (nee Hadgitheodoro), and brother, Theodore. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday, November 14, 2022 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria, 440-322-4626.Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at St. Mary Church, 320 Middle Ave., Elyria (please meet at the church). His dear friend, the Reverend Father Paul Wysocki will be the Celebrant along with The Reverend Father Charles T. Diedrick, Pastor, will be the co-celebrant. Following Mass there will be full military honors provided by VFW Post #1079 at the church. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please point donations to www.allweseeisgold.com/donate. The foundation is led by World and Olympic 7-time Gold Medalist Jordan Burroughs, designed to introduce and serve underprivileged inner-city youth to the sport of Wrestling throughout the United States. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com