With broken hearts, the family of Thomas John Stanis share the devastating news of his passing. Born on September 19, 2001, at Genesis Hospital in Grand Blanc, Thomas brought light and joy into the world from the very beginning. His charismatic nature, boundless energy, and unforgettable smile left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thomas was the cherished son of Kristopher Stanis and Renee Dibble, and a beloved brother to Jana Stanis. From a young age, he showed a fierce independence and a deep love for family. He was especially close to his cousin Ashley Rill, born just weeks apart, and together they helped guide their close-knit group that included Nathan Rill and other beloved family members.
His childhood was filled with sun-soaked summers, swimming in Grandma and Grandpa’s pool, boating adventures on Lake Van Etten and Woodland Lake, and joyful rides in his treasured fishing boat, which he lovingly named “Surely”—as in “Surely she’ll get us there.” Earning his boating license was a proud moment, emblematic of his confidence and sense of adventure.
Thomas’s passion extended beyond the water. On the soccer field, he was a fierce competitor and natural leader. As a freshman at Brighton High School, he played striker on the varsity soccer team, becoming one of the leading goal scorers during a thrilling run to the regional finals. Gritty, driven, and unafraid, Thomas was respected by teammates and opponents alike.
After high school, he began working at Corrigan Oil, where he quickly proved himself as a capable and hardworking tradesman. He took pride in learning his craft and was known for his reliability and strong work ethic.
More than anything, Thomas was a magnetic presence — a loyal friend, a thoughtful grandson, a devoted cousin, and a young man with a heart as big as his ambition. He had a way of bringing people together, making them laugh, and reminding them what truly matters. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his mother Renee Dibble, father Kristopher Stanis, sister Jana Stanis, stepmother Alison Cox, step-siblings Ben and Kara Cox, grandparents Linda and J. Douglas Dibble and Paulette Stanis, Aunt Barb and Uncle Brian Rill, Uncle Matt and Aunt Katie Dibble, cousins Ashley and Nathan Rill, Alli, John, and Ethan Dibble, and many other family members and dear friends.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Thomas’s life will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 2:00–6:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Keehn-Griffin Funeral Home, 706 W. Main Street, Brighton.
To honor his memory, the family invites everyone to wear Detroit Lions, MSU Spartans, Brighton Bulldogs, or Corrigan Oil attire — the teams and passions that lit up Thomas’s life.
Though Thomas is no longer with us, the love he gave so freely, the memories he created, and the joy he brought will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew him.
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