Thomas John Clyder

Of Wheeling, IL

Thomas John Clyder, born March 16, 1953, passed away on May 14, 2020. Tom and his wife of 42 years, Sheila, lived in Wheeling, Illinois where they raised their children Colleen and Patrick.

Tom was born in Chicago, Illinois, and he grew up on the northwest side where he attended St. Patrick High School. Tom greatly valued education, and he not only constantly stressed its importance to his children, but he led by example. He earned his associate degree in mechanical engineering from Triton College and then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College.

Tom had a 40-year career at Northrop Grumman where he worked in multiple business and managerial capacities. And when Northrop announced a tuition reimbursement program, Tom jumped at the chance, and he went on to earn master’s degrees in business administration and project management from Keller Graduate School of Management—it was not uncommon to see him sitting in the stands of a local ice rink, laptop open, finishing up a project.

The example he set for his family and others transcends education and is evident in his tireless work ethic. From building a room addition on his family’s home, to starting a sports decorating business with his beloved wife while pursuing his career at Northrop, he did not quit. The National Sporting Goods Association recognized their business with retailer of the year honors in 1991.

Tom also believed in service. After his daughter survived emergent surgery to remove a brain tumor, he founded a not-for-profit organization to help other families facing similar circumstances. He also served as an elected trustee of the Indian Trails Public Library for two years and as an appointed zoning commissioner for the Village of Wheeling for seven years.

Tom’s grandchildren brought him great happiness, and he spent time with them whenever he could. He enjoyed to relax with a good book and have a good meal. When the weather was good, you could almost certainly find him tending to his yard and gardens with his wife. And when it was not, he was probably inside tackling a seemingly endless list of home repair projects. If you needed a tool, Tom was not only sure to have it, but happy to let you borrow it.

Tom will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Irene Clyder, and is survived by his sister Arlene (Reg), his beloved wife Sheila, his daughter Colleen (Jeremy), his son Patrick (Jennifer), and his grandchildren Charles, Eleanor, Raegan, Margaret, Keegan, and Baby Fischer.

Given these uncertain times, a memorial mass and reception will be held in Tom’s honor at a later date. Those wishing to attend Tom’s funeral remotely may do so on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 12:00 PM, by watching a video stream on Thomas’s tribute wall at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com, where you can also leave your memory or message of condolence. Following the funeral, the recording will be available with Thomas’s obituary. The family will host a drive by visitation on Saturday, May 23, 2020 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at 1037 Kingsport Drive, Wheeling, Illinois. Please travel in an eastward direction, remain in your vehicles, and adhere to all social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s honor to the American Heart Association.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.

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