Thomas J. Kilgannon Jr.

Thomas Joseph Kilgannon Jr. passed away peacefully with his family at his side, at the Auberge at Lake Zurich Memory Care Center on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  He was born on September 15, 1926, in New York City to Thomas and Delia (Ryan) Kilgannon.  As a child at St. Catherine’s School, his intelligence and mastery of language thrived under the mentorship of Msgr. John Brady, the first Catholic priest and Navy chaplain named a rear admiral.  Brady was a true father-figure to Thomas and had a lasting influence on his life.  After graduating Power Memorial High School, 17-year-old Thomas volunteered for WWII service in the Navy, where he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class.  He then graduated from Manhattan College on the G.I. bill with a degree in electrical engineering, subsequently being recalled to service during the Korean War. In 1953, he married the love of his life, his “Darling Nettie”, Annette Casucci.  He worked for Sperry Gyroscope and Bell Labs while attending New York Law School at night.  After passing the New York Bar and with his engineering background, he became a Patent Attorney and was admitted to the Federal Bar in 1963.  With his wife and 4 sons, he moved from Staten Island to New City, NY, which became the family homestead for 56 years.  There, a daughter, Teresa, the apple of his eye, was finally born, and their family was complete.  Thomas then started his 27 year career with IBM at the acclaimed Thomas J. Watson research facility, where he worked until his retirement, and where he was known for his ability to analyze complex inventions with remarkable acumen and discrimination.

He is survived by 4 of his 5 Children: Dr. Michael Kilgannon, Mr. Patrick Kilgannon, Mr. Christopher Kilgannon, Mrs. Teresa Lindh, and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He was pre-deceased by his wife, Annette, and his son, Dr. Thomas Kilgannon, and by his siblings, Dr. Mary Kilgannon, John Kilgannon, and Theresa McCarthy.

Thomas is remembered for his powerful intellect, his quirky sense of humor, passion for reading, love of history and science, all things Irish, and his devotion to his family.  A devout Catholic, he was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in West Nyack, NY where he served as an usher well into his late eighties.  He passed on his legacy of faith to his family and all who met him.

A wake at Ascension Cemetery Chapel in Airmont, NY will take place from 10:00 to 11:00 am on Monday February 10th, followed immediately by a Funeral Mass. Entombment with military honors will occur after the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Jimmy V Cancer Foundation, Catholic Charities or to Suncrest Hospice of Chicago.