Thomas Daniel Philipsborn

Thomas D. Philipsborn, October 3, 1926, was the 4th and youngest child of Ruth C. and Herbert F. Philipsborn. Tom was an entrepreneur starting at a young age. During the depression, he sold onions out of the woods, Christmas trees after Christmas, and ice from the family ice box. Tom attended Glencoe Public School, New Trier High School, and Lake Forest College, graduating in January, 1950. He served in the Merchant Marines and in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After college, he took his entrepreneurial skills to the H. F. Philipsborn & Co. He was elected Treasurer in 1957, a Director in 1961, and President in May 1966. In 1970, he sold H.F. Philipsborn & Co. to Illinois Central Industries. It was repurchased in 1981 and named The Philipsborn Company. He was Chairman of the Board. Tom was dedicated to his business and his community. He was President and Director of the Chicago Mortgage Bankers Association; a Director and Vice President of the North Side Real Estate Board; a Director of the Alumni Governing Board and Representative to the Finance Committee of Lake Forest College; and Director and Vice President of the North Dearborn Association. He served as Director at Chicago Sinai Congregation and was a Life Trustee at Francis W. Parker School. He was a proud alumnus of Camp Nebagamon, a lifelong member of Northmoor Country Club, and a member of the Standard Club since 1972. In 1961, he married Betty Auer of St. Louis. Tom was curious about people and cultures. He and Betty traveled the world-not only to cities in the US and Europe, but also to Africa, India and the Pacific. Tom was open and warm. He welcomed dialogue and embraced conflict. No topic was off the table. Tom believed strongly in education, hard work, and enjoying life. He was passionate about flora, fauna and loved spending time in nature. He was an avid fisherman who fished almost every year of his life in places all around the world. Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty (Auer) and by his four daughters: Ellyn McCrea (Alan), Lisa Blumberg (Paul), Anne Philipsborn (Rick Ray), Mari Philipsborn (Eric Terman) and grandchildren Robert, Leah, Daniel, Eli, and Audrey. Graveside services are private. A celebration of life will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chicago Sinai Congregation, 15 W. Delaware Place, Chicago, 60610 or Francis W. Parker School, 330 W. Webster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614.