Thomas P. Risley

Thomas passed away unexpectedly at age 75. Born in Chicago, IL, he had lived in Waukegan and Beach Park, IL during his adult life. After starting out at Underwriters Lab Tom went to Abbott Labs working as a Calibration Technician for almost 25 years, retiring in 2001.

Tom loved his antique cars, would rather drive than show them. He belonged to several car clubs locally - AACA Waukegan/North Shore and the Chain of Lakes Model A Club. Tom really enjoyed touring on the AACA Spring and Fall weekend tours - new places to drive the old car, visit local car collections and learn about local history. Belonging to National car clubs allowed for driving to places around the country with the old car, seeing and visiting with some of the same people over the years.

He also loved live steam engines, would rather watch than ride them. Trips out east and west allowed him to do that. Arriving early to see a train leave, ride the train, then hanging around for the next trip or watch them shut it down for the day. Tom was a Life member of Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, WI. He had volunteered there and was lucky enough to run a steam engine down the track once.

His winter hobby was his HO model train layout in the basement. This layout is large - it covers an area below the "new" kitchen, continues through under the "old" kitchen and loops around under the living room. He joined the Tri-County Model Railroad Club in Union Grove, WI last year, enjoyed it immensely. Early on Tom was a charter member of Lake County Model Railroad Club in Wauconda, IL.

Tom loved to talk, basically to anyone. Phone conversations could last more than an hour. He was always interested in people, wanted to get to know them. When asked "How are you doing?", the answer was usually FANTASTIC !, then the conversation began. Tom enjoyed passing on funnies or pictures via email that he would receive from friends.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife Jennifer, brother John Risley and sisters Lynn (the late Ron) Trok and Nancy Risley. Also several nephews and nieces and their children. Preceded in death by his parents John and Vivian Risley. Private Burial with a "Celebration of Life" to be held on May 6, 2023 at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, IL. Information to be posted later at dignitymemorial.com.

A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, IL on May 6, 2023. A Memorial visitation is from 1pm-4pm. Tom's cousin Pastor Mark Renner will do a service/eulogy at 3 pm. Dress is casual, please honor Tom by wearing a shirt and/or hat representing how you knew him - cars, trains, friend, family, etc. Also, old cars are very welcomed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MarshFuneralHome.com for the Risley family.