Tom loved life and people loved Tom.
Those who knew him would agree that his humor and affection for his family (including all seven brothers) are enduring. He offered so much to so many… For decades he was known for his work at Universal Printing where co-workers and customers took pleasure in his friendship. His joy for cooking (and eating) allowed him to join with others in appreciating the experience. Tom relished taking days pondering recipes, more time to shop, then painstakingly preparing and serving a meal wherein the best part for him was knowing that others were enjoying themselves. He also valued going to different places and meeting new people. Whether going to Hawaii with friends in the travel group with whom he and Fran trekked for years or if the two of them toured Ireland deciding town by town where to explore next, he delighted in life daily. Tom didn’t need to travel far to welcome a change of scenery – he had a fondness for the Lake of the Ozarks and reveled in pulling skiers behind his boat (the C. Fran) or drifting on a sunset cruise with friends while Ella Fitzgerald played in the background.
Folks are aware that Tom was a lifelong dog lover. From dogs in his childhood to show dogs as an adult and family dogs throughout, Tom really took great delight in his last wonderful dog, Earl, who provided years of unconditional devotion and companionship.
People who really know Tom are aware of all that he did with Fran to give what they could to others. Collecting donations of all sorts and delivering them to St. Henry’s some 50 years ago or helping to feed the homeless through Saints Peter and Paul in recent years, serving others made the world a better place. When special needs arose after Hurricane Katrina, they traveled to New Orleans to work with Habitat for Humanity because people there needed assistance. A defining aspect of the concern they had for others is the way they opened their home to foster children– before they had space, time, or money they stepped in as true family for those in need because they knew it was right.
Tom and Fran welcomed others into their family, and they have lifelong friends who are so close that the families have become intertwined. But there is no doubt that their mark left on the world will persist through their grandchildren and (now) their great-grandchildren. Every event for grandkids was not only attended but prized by Tom and Fran as was every trip to the zoo or the park. The importance of caring and decency is instilled for the future generations. Nothing is more important than family and sharing your family means that no one will be left alone.
Tom loved life and people loved Tom.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 14 from 9:30-11am at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, 6303 Nottingham, with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Gabriel's Homeless Meals Program would be greatly appreciated by the family.
