Thomas Michael Catchings, of Antioch, California, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026 after a period of illness. He was 73.

Thomas was born on November 30, 1952, in San Francisco, California, to Harry and Letty Catchings. From the very beginning, he was hardworking and independent, getting his first job at just eight years old selling newspapers and newspaper subscriptions. In his earliest adult years, Thomas served his country in the United States Navy.

In 1975, Thomas began a 34-year career with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, where he ultimately retired at the rank of lieutenant. His commitment to public safety remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

That same year, Thomas married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Stephanie Catchings; they remained deeply in love throughout 51 years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary just weeks before his passing. After marrying, they moved from San Francisco to Walnut Creek before eventually settling in Antioch in 1987, where they raised their two children, Michael Catchings of Danville, California, and Jennifer Catchings of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Following his retirement, Thomas devoted much of his time to volunteer work at St. Ignatius Church of Antioch with his wife, where they were especially active in church operations as well as charitable efforts supporting veterans, cancer survivors, and animals.

Thomas will be remembered by those who loved him for his abiding silly humor, his love of Westerns and new gadgets, his unwavering dedication to his family, his commitment to justice, and his deep bench of practical knowledge. He could fix almost anything—and usually did, even when a new one might have been preferable!

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Harry; his mother, Letty; his sister, Linda; and his brother, Steven. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his children, Michael (Becky) and Jennifer (Ben); his brother, John (Lynn); his sister, Judy (Tom); his brother, Daniel; and his brother-in-law Don (Estrella), as well as his grandchildren, Cole, Milo, Nolan, and Abraham.

We will hold his memory in our hearts with light, love, and gratitude.

A funeral Mass and reception to honor Thomas’ life will be held at St. Ignatius Church of Antioch on Friday, October 9, beginning at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, Thomas’ family suggests donations to the American Heart Association in his name.