Thomas Steven Manfre

Thomas Steven Manfre passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024, at the age of 81, with his wife and children by his side. Thomas (Tom) was born on December 21, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Thomas and Cecelia (Kwiatkowski) Manfre. He is preceded in death by his sister and brother in law, Carol and Marty Gabrysiak.

He is survived by his wife of 58 1/2 years, Sharon (Jozwiak), daughters Susan (John) Kaufman, Karen (Bill) Casey, and son Thomas (Maria) Manfre III. His most precious gifts in life besides his wife and children were his grandchildren Lauren (Joel), Kylee, Griffin, TJ, Jake, Matt, Grace, and stepgrandchildren, Ella and Cora.

Tom started his career at Terminal Transport where he met and fell in love with his wife, Sharon. After serving in the US Army in the Vietnam War, he successfully opened his own air freight business, Performance By Air, Inc. In addition, he also opened and owned several banks and trucking companies throughout his lifetime. He had a business/financial mind that never stopped and served to help many people/businesses succeed.

Tom and Sharon lived in Burr Ridge, Illinois, where they would raise their family. Tom loved “family days” with family and friends, cooking one of his many favorite recipes, watching football, talking, and having fun together. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, singing, dancing and traveling to many different places throughout his lifetime. Tom and his family loved to vacation in Marco Island, Florida, which later became their home.

Tom was a man with a strong, tough, caring personality. He charmed every person that he met with stories from his life. He loved to talk about his many wonderful adventures with family and friends. His memories, words, phrases, and good values will never be forgotten. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org

Private services to follow.