Thomas "Tom" F. Swoik, Sr.

Tom was born June 27, 1948, in Springfield, the son of Thomas Anton and Ruth Marie Hodack Swoik. He married Gayle Davis on May 6, 1972 in Springfield, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Imy J. Feuer; sister, Carolyn (Kerry) Vanderhoof; and his father and mother-in-law, Colonel Charles E. and Esther M. Davis.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gayle Swoik of Springfield; son, Thomas (T.J.) F. Swoik, Jr. of Springfield; daughter, Jaime Linderman of Springfield; two grandchildren, Madalyn and Charlie Linderman, both of Springfield; brother, Jeffrey (Judy) Davis of Las Vegas, NV; and aunt, Judy Endres of Springfield. As well as several nieces and nephews, including Susan (Jeff) Hartnett of Alpharetta, GA, Sara (Patrick) Krepps of Tillamook, OR., Lysle Hartnett of Valdosta, GA, Layne Hartnett of Alpharetta, GA, and Mike (Lawra), Eade and Hanna Vanderhoof of Rochester, IL.; and brother-in-Law, John Vanderhoof of Overland Park, KS. He is also leaving behind countless friends.

Tom graduated from Springfield High School in 1966. In 1968, He earned his Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management from Springfield College in Illinois. He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Murray State University in Murray, KY in 1971. In 1983, Tom earned a Master of Arts Degree in Business Education from the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Tom’s impressive career history included City Water Light & Power as an Accounting Manager, Comptroller of Springfield School District 186, Accounting Instructor at LLCC, Reimbursement Manager of Nutrition at the Illinois State Board of Education, Deputy Director of Program Support for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and Deputy Administrator of Finance and Administration for the Illinois Gaming Board until his retirement in 2001. After retiring from the state, he was employed as the Executive Director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association, during which time he was a Lobbyist, until late 2021. He then served as the Business Manager for St. Agnes Parish until his death.

Tom was involved in St. Agnes Parish, and served on the St. Agnes School Board. He had also been a member of the Springfield Rotary Club.

Tom’s greatest treasure was his family, and he loved them unconditionally. He was proud of all of them and their accomplishments. His smile lit up every room he entered, and everyone who knew him thought of him as a friend. Countless people were touched by his generosity and kindness. His loss will be felt in hearts around the country.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Private family ceremonies were held at St. Agnes Church in Springfield, led by Fr. Dan Bergbower, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Parish, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield, IL 62702 and Tunnels2Towers at www.t2t.org.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.