Thomas Richard Sanders

After graduation from St. Gregory High School, Tom served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. His professional career in fund raising began in 1954 at the Chicago Heart Association followed by Directors’ positions at the Community Fund and American Cancer Society. He was Director of Development for Loyola University in Chicago before joining the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago as the Director of Development and in 1980 the Vice President of Development. At the Field Museum he initiated their first Capital Campaign and increased memberships and contributions five-fold. The Ben Franklin Award was bestowed on him by the National Society of Fund Raising Executives on October 24, 1986. It was awarded for his many significant achievements at the Field Museum and for being recognized by the profession as a role model for all fund raisers. Thomas was the Past President of National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE) Chicago Chapter, past board member on the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry, past member of the Executive Club of Chicago, and the Naples Botanical Gardens, Naples, FL.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy Aeschlimsan, his parents, brother Donald (Carol) Sanders and sister Adele Corr. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Mary and children; Retired Air Force Colonel Thomas R. (Karen) Sanders Jr., Robert M. (Nancy) Sanders, Jeffrey S. (Susan) Sanders, John P. (Beth) Bowler, and Maureen (Todd) Koenig; Grandchildren; Steven and David Sanders, Shannon and Julia Sanders, Paige, Brett and Charlie Sanders, and Colleen, Caroline and Nicholas Koenig; Great granddaughter Chloe Kate Sanders, seven nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

His family extends greatful appreciation to the staff and caregivers of Bayshore Memory Care and Avow Hospice for their care of Tom and comfort to his family. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking memorials in Tom’s name be given to the Hoffman/Sanders Fund at the Field Museum of Natural History 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60605-2496, or to the Midwest Jesuits, P.O. Box 6713 Carol Stream, IL 60197-6713. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St. Glenview, IL 60025 at a later date.