Thomas Berry Renfroe

Thomas Berry Renfroe, known affectionately as Pete, was born July 6, 1937, to the late Marzie E. (née Chambliss) and David Renfroe in Roba, Alabama; he was the second child born to this union. In 1943, Pete and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He accepted Christ at an early age and attended Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. 

Pete attended Washington Irving Elementary (K-6th grade) and Thomas Edison Vocational School (6th-12th grade). At Thomas Edison, Pete studied the welding, carpentry, and electrician trades. Pete was awarded the honor of Valedictorian of his graduating class in 1956. 

Pete was an active volunteer at Karamu House from 1950-1960 and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 1960. He was a well-known and trusted friend of Karamu House founders Rowena and Russell Jelliffe. 

In 1961, Pete was drafted to the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He completed field training as a Medical Corpsman at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. He was permanently stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina until his honorable discharge in 1963. 

In 1965, Pete married Susie Johnson. The couple welcomed a son, Thomas Jr. in 1966. Pete and Susie were wed until Susie's untimely death in 1971. 

Pete worked as a day laborer for much of his life and could fix almost anything his hands touched. After retirement, Pete worked at Native Son Delicatessen. He was also known as the unofficial mayor of Kinsman Road; Pete was known and loved in the neighborhood. You could often find him sitting and talking with friends at the car wash near his home on 154th Street. Pete loved family, friends, and food. He was known for his love of photography and was nicknamed "Pete the Paparazzi" by his family. Pete met no strangers, and he was ready and willing to help anyone in need. He is lovingly remembered for his kindness, his humor, and his ready smile. 

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Pete entered eternal rest at the Veterans Administration Heroes Hospice in Cleveland, Ohio. He was well-loved and cared for by all of the staff there. Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Marzie and David, sister, Juanita, and wife, Susie. He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Thomas B. Renfroe Jr., granddaughter Kimberly Conley, grandson Thomas B. Renfroe III, great-grandson Avion Conley, and a host of cousins, family, and friends.

A public viewing will be held on October 27, 2023, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM and the Celebration Of Life services will be held on October 28, 2023, 10:00AM Wake and 10:30AM Service at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street, Cleveland, OH (off of 71st Street and Harvard Avenue).

Face Mask Will Be Required For Service.

We welcome you to provide your thoughts and memories on Thomas's Tribute Wall.