DEARBORN HEIGHTS — Fr. Thomas Edward Szura, CMM, a priest of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill, died unexpectedly Aug. 26, 2026, at the age of 75.
According to a post from St. Sabina Parish in Dearborn Heights, Fr. Szura "was on his way to carry out the corporal work of mercy of visiting the sick" at a local hospital when he was struck by a vehicle as a pedestrian.
The parish said Fr. Szura's passing comes with "utter shock and overwhelming sadness" asked that prayers be offered for Fr. Szura, "his family, his Mariannhill confrere priests and brothers, the Leaves family, and all who loved him ... during this incredibly difficult time."
Fr. Szura had been a priest for 48 years and was known for his friendliness, warmth and faith, beloved by countless area families.
"Fr. Tom was a beloved friend and dedicated weekend associate of both Our Lady of Grace and Saint Sabina parishes for nearly 50 years," the parish said. "His decades of kindness, spiritual guidance, and warmth, especially his knack for ending Mass with a joke, leaves an unforgettable mark on our faith communities. We will miss his presence dearly."
A visitation will take place on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, from 3-7 p.m. at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren St., Dearborn Heights, with a Rosary at 7 p.m. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Sabina Church, 25555 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. Fr. Szura will lie in state beginning at 9:30 a.m., with Mass at 10 a.m., celebrated by Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger.
According to his obituary, Thomas Edward Szura was the son of Stella and Edward Szura. He was born on Sept. 20, 1950, one of five children along with his siblings Bob, Mike, Jim and Sue. He lived in Westland and attended St. Raphael's Grade School, St. Bernard Seminary High School, Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit, and St. John's Provincial Seminary in Plymouth Township.
Fr. Szura was ordained a priest on Feb. 19, 1978, joining the Mariannhill Missionary Society and becoming a member after his novitiate year. After ordination, Fr. Szura ministered at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Dearborn Heights "for a short period of time" before going on to work in the Leaves Magazine office of the Mariannhill Missionaries, handling accounting and financial matters.
"Later on, the Mariannhill Missionaries would need him to handle their mission appeals, Leaves Magazine, banking, and bill paying, a job that he was able to handle and no one else really felt qualified to do so," according to his obituary.
Fr. Szura spent time in other local ministries, including celebrating Mass and the sacraments at St. Sabina Parish in Dearborn Heights.
The small Mariannhill community in southeast Michigan helps support the congregation's missions around the world, particularly in Africa and the South Pacific, while also coordinating outreach to the underprivileged in Metro Detroit. In 2016, Fr. Szura spoke to The Michigan Catholic newspaper about the missions, explaining that "technology and information is available to a lot of people, but there are still corners of the world that have never heard of Jesus Christ."
Along with his Mariannhill brothers, Fr. Szura was dedicated to evangelization and service both at home and abroad.
"Father Tom was a man of God who enjoyed saying Mass and preaching and being a man who was loved and respected by the faithful. He will be greatly missed by his fellow Mariannhill confreres and by his parishioners," his obituary read. "He was one of those who leaves his work in the hearts and souls of those who loved him."
"We also wish to add our sincere gratitude to our Archbishop Edward (Weisenburger) and the Diocesan clergy for their prayers and their concerns. Our thanks also to all who share this time of sorrow. God bless you all," the obituary concluded.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Mariannhill Mission Society.
