Our dearest friends – it is with great sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Thamas Palya, husband, father, and grandfather. We would like to thank God that he passed away peacefully in the privacy of his home on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his family and with our love. He is survived by his wife Theresa Palya, his daughter Jessica Kulma, his son-in law Sebastian Kulma and his grandchildren Tatiana and Daniel Kulma.
He was a warrior of a man with a wonderful heart and a deep story. Thamas was born August 3, 1938, in Budapest Hungary. He travelled to the United States when he was young, at age 13. He was a trapeze artist for the Barnum and Bailey Circus for many years. His act was called The Three Youngs. He was a boxer for some time. He was a third-degree black sash in animal style Kung Fu. He was fluent in eight languages. His stories will live on and forever be told in our homes as long as we all shall live. Thamas spent majority of his adult years working as a Certified Executive Chef and worked for many resorts around the world, hospitals, and assisted living centers. He even won Chef of the Year many times.
He has so many accomplishments, created so many wonderful memories, and above all, raised all of us to be the absolute best because that is all he ever saw in us was the ABSOLUTE best. He was the BEST husband, BEST father, and BEST grandfather. He would do anything for his family. Anything.
He developed Dementia and Alzheimer 2 years ago and faded quickly after that. Dementia and Alzheimer are tough in case you do not know about it.
Please celebrate with us as his spirit lifted to the Lord Christmas morning right after the Santa Claus reveal. That was always his favorite part of Christmas – hearing the grandkids so incredibly happy about their Santa gifts. He took his final breath shortly after.
Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate through what lies ahead for us living lives without him. We know he is flying around somewhere, with the wings he oh so deserved. He did right by us. He was the light within us all. We will miss him for all of eternity. But for now, it is time for rest. Time for peace. Time for him to be pain free and have his carefree moment. We are forever grateful to call him Theresa’s husband, Jessica and Sebastian’s father and Tatiana & Daniel’s grandfather.
Cremation was under the care & direction of Bright-Holland Funeral Home.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfuneralhome.com
