Thomas David "Tom" Roush

Thomas David “Tom” Roush, age 77, of Dover, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, in Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Canton. Tom had a very fast-growing form of cancer.

Born February 9, 1948, in Canton, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Mona M. (Clark) Roush. Tom graduated from Canton South High School in 1966 and soon afterward entered an apprenticeship program at The Timken Company in Canton. He became a certified machinist and was employed by Timken for 37 years before retiring. Tom married the former Carmela (Lenzo) Ames, who survives, on October 8, 1983. Carmela would like everyone to know that Tom was the best husband ever and spoiled her immensely. The song by Bette Midler, Wind Beneath My Wings, describes the extraordinary support he gave her.

Tom enjoyed retirement and would often say, “If I don’t know what day it is, I am having a good day!” He taught his grandchildren about the earth, the world that they live in, and how to put on their “thinking caps” to solve problems. Tom taught his grandchildren about computers as well, and that was something: a grandpa teaching young ones about computers. They will certainly remember Grandpa’s lessons.

Tom loved all things automotive and was a tremendous NASCAR fan. He was even able to convince Carmela that watching races could be pretty entertaining. The couple traveled to many race tracks and enjoyed their surrounding cities. Tom also liked golf; he didn’t golf much himself, but he enjoyed watching it.

He was a jack-of-all-trades and was there for anyone who needed help. Tom was thoughtful, caring and loved solving problems. If something was wrong, he wanted to figure it out; he was "a fixer." He was a hero in so many ways, never wanting to take credit or make a big deal about himself.

In addition to his loving wife, Carmela, Tom will be dearly missed by his daughter and her husband, Christy and Jim Valentine of Phoenix, Arizona; his step-sons and their wives, Nathan and Stacey Ames of Sunbury, and Nicholas and Krista Ames of New Philadelphia; his five grandchildren, Mackenna and Maci Ames of Sunbury, and Pierson, Jaxson and Koleson Ames of New Philadelphia; and his dog, Pepper.

Besides his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Roush; his granddaughter, Jessica Valentine; and his brothers, Dick and Bob Roush.

Tom chose not to have any funeral services; a celebration of his life is planned for later this year. His family would like to acknowledge their friends for their prayers, love and support during this difficult time - Thank You So Very Much! Special thanks also to everyone at Cleveland Clinic Union and Mercy Hospitals for the outstanding care provided to Tom in his last days.

Contributions in Tom’s memory are requested to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society (Tom so loved animals), 1432 Tall Timber Rd. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663, or First United Methodist Church, 1725 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622.