He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo Swieca (nee Roberts), their daughter, Kati Swieca-Brockman (Brian), and his beloved grandchildren, Jackson and Mira. He is also survived by his sister, Sandie Schmidt, along with nephews, nieces, and many cousins. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Jo (nee Kosiba) Swieca and brothers, Robert Swieca and Daniel Swieca.
Tom grew up on Chicago’s North Side and was a die-hard White Sox fan. He attended Holy Innocents Grade School, Quigley North High School, Niles College and graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago. He spent the early years of his career working in management in the automotive industry in the Chicago, Phoenix and San Diego areas.
He made a career change when the family returned to Chicago, working at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and earning his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. At Mercy Home, he served as director of Admissions and eventually director of Operations. While there, he helped start the Mercy Home All Stars leadership program which challenged the residents to do their best and rewarded their success.
Realizing they hadn’t yet lived in the Eastern time zone, Tom and Mary Jo moved to Pinehurst, N.C., where Tom worked in the foster care system. He was active in implementing a program that provided luggage for children being placed in foster care or moving to a new home.
After leaving social service, Tom found his dream retirement job – working in golf registration at the Pinehurst Resort. Being social by nature, he enjoyed not only the golf benefits but also the chance to meet so many people from all over the world.
Tom enjoyed golfing with friends, travelling and, of course, lots of Chicago-style Italian beef and deep-dish pizza. Throughout his career, Tom made many lifelong friends. He will be missed not only for his sense of humor and his stories but also for the example he always showed in his love and concern for his wife and family. His willingness to help others and be a good listener will be missed by all who knew him.
Recognizing Tom’s giving spirit, in lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to either: GraceWorks Ministries Inc., 104 Southeast Parkway, Franklin, TN 37064, or Room In the Inn, 705 Drexel St., #2 Nashville, TN 37203.
Visitation will be Sunday, February 5, 2023 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E Northwest Hwy, Arlington Heights, IL 60004 and Monday, February 6, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
Interment will follow at Maryhill Cemetery in Niles.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lauterburgoehler.com for the Swieca family.
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