Thomas Gibbons Obituary

Dear Rita,
Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family.
We are only finding out now about him.
We have been out of touch with our
Chicago friends for a while and did not
hear about him.
We also have a rough road ahead of us because my husband Ed has been diagnized with the same thing about 4
months ago.

Dear Gibbons Family,
I only just learned of Tom's passing. I am so sorry for the pain you are all going through. But I am glad that the struggle is over: his suffering and your anguish over this past year- suffering with him.
Over the past few years, when both of my parents died, Tom was there at the wake to express his sympathies. I knew then that he wasn't just someone I worked with occasionally, but he was my friend.
While in Rome I will have the opportunity to celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Basilica; I will offer a Mass there for Tom, that the Lord will reward him for all the lives he touched along his journey.

Dear Rita and Family,
I was so saddened to hear about Tommy's passing. I have known him for over 40 years. I will not forget him. I am so sorry for your loss.
John Bell

Our prayers are with you and your family.
The McGrory Family (Chicago)

from the late jerry daly family
our sympathy goes out to your family. our prayers go out to you all.

the daly family

Our deepest sorrow on your loss.Tom was a true Irishman. An old friend from St. Mel H.S.

Rita & Family:
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family on your great loss. Tommy would always greet everyone he met with his warm wit and conversation. He will be greatly missed.

To The ENtire Gibbons Family,
I had dealt with all of you at one time or another, I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Tommy, he was a great great man with a heart of gold. May God give you the serenity and strength to get through this time of sadness, as he helped my family when My brother Mike, and my grandmother Melba passed and Tommy made sure everything was taken care of. My Dad worked for Tommy for years and Im sure he will be missed.
Trish Motin (Robert and Nancy Kowachek's Daughter)

Dear Gibbons Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you live through this loss. Tommy was always so kind and thoughtful to our families. He seemed to wrap his arms around us and things didn't seem quite so bad. I know that he is in heaven wrapping his arms around all of you and helping you through this loss.

Julie and Joe White

Our deepest condolences to you, Rita, and your entire family. You were so very kind and thoughtful in helping us through my husband's funeral in 2008. You are in our thoughts and prayers, the Schell Fam

Tommy touched so many lives. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a very loving and caring way. He treated people with compassion and complete understanding during the most difficult times in their lives. He had a wonderful gift of treating people in the "Gibbons Way", he knew what needed to be done, he knew the arrangements that we wanted ... and he took care of every single detail from start to finish. From the 1st phone call until the final day at the cemetery, the Gibbons family wrapped their arms around us with respect and love.
Tommy was like a friend to everyone ... he was larger than life and if you knew Tommy ... you had a friend for life.
Tommy will be missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tommy and the entire Gibbons Family ... now and always. What an untimely, sad and tragic loss to everyone that was touched by Tommy's life. Tommy will be remembered as the most kind and wonderful man ... who would light up any room just by walking in. Heaven is a much happier, brighter place now with Tommy Gibbons there. May God Bless you Tommy and take care of you and the entire Gibbons Family .. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you on the loss of Tommy ... God Bless all of you.

Dear Rita and Children,

We were so sorry to hear the sad news about Tom. I only met Tom once at my Dad's funeral in 2002, but got an immediate sense of his kind and caring personality - he will be sorely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.

Dear Rita and family, you will see Tom again on streets of gold in heaven. May God bless you with peace and comfort as you mourn his passing. Tommy and your whole family were good friends to my parents, Paul and Bridie McGrath. Tom took special care for each of their services and special care of us as we coped thru their losses. Again six years ago when our sister Kathleen died unexpectantly, you, Rita, and Tom were there again for us. We are forever grateful. No one knows your sorrow like you do Rita but masses of people - here and across the ocean, hold you up in prayer and grieve with you. Tom Gibbons will be missed and never forgotten. Heartfelt sympathy, Maureen (McGrath) Shakeshaft and family.

To the Gibbons family, My husband and I would like to extend our sympathy to you on the death of Tom. Tom's father buried my mother in 1947 and my father in 1971. We still attend the masses down at Old St Patricks (mY MAIDEN NAME WAS gALLAGHER)

Dear Gibbons Family,
My family was so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Gibbons was such a nice man. Whenever he would see us he always new our name. He always had something nice to say and was always so kind and considerate of our feelings during our family loss. He will surely be missed.
Our condolences to your family,
Marianne Cairo and family

Our deepest sympathies are with you at the time of your loss.Rudolph & Laura Schoewe(Schoewe Garage Doors)

Dear Gibbons Family,

It was with sadness that we learned of Tom's passing from an old ICHS friend. Most of our memories of Tom go back to the time when we were in high school at ICHS, and he was a lively, special, exuberant and spirited grade school boy. In the late 90's, Tom was a comfort and big help to us when he took care of my mother's final arrangements for which we will be forever grateful. Our deepest condolences to all of the Gibbons family on the loss of your dear Tom.

Sincerely,

I have worked for Thoams A. Gibbons for over 12 years and I have to say Thomas was the heart of Gibbons Funeral Homes. Always made everyone laugh. What a great man he was. He always treated everyone as though they where his family. Thomas will be deeply missed by his entire family. I'm extremely sorry for his loss. My condolences go out to his entire family in this difficult time in their lives. May God Bless Him.

Rita And Family,
Sincere sympathy to all of you on the loss of Tommy. He touched the lives of so many-with a smile on the steps of Old St. Pat's or a kind presence during our times of grief. He will be missed.
Mike and Mary Gallagher
and family
(Rolling Meadows)

Dear Rita, and Children,
I am forever grateful to Tommy and his kindness to me while I worked for you. He was ALWAYS so nice and beyond funny. He never failed to be a gentleman. I will continue to pray that God gives you strength during your sadness. With deepest sympathy. Sheila Garvey

My deepest sympathies to the Gibbons family

Rita Gibbons and Family,
Tom Gibbons was always a man who
looked you square in the eye & asked you how you're doing, how's your family, shook you hand, told you a joke, & bought you a beer.
A man's kind of man.
I'd see Tom in church over the years or around town
and he'd always ask me, "How's you're old man doing...
Tell him I say Hi". Tom always said that to me, it always showed me
what a classy Irishman he was.
He was always kind to our familys in our times of grief &
I just want to tell your family that we all will miss
Tom Gibbons here in Elmhurst.
God Bless You... Mr. Gibbons.

Dear Rita and Family:

The Gibbons family goes way back to the west side and St. Mel Parish. Tom's father drove me to the church on my wedding day and then afterwards to our reception. As for Tom, he buried Jack's mom and dad and also my parents, Bill and Jennie Finnegan and many of my relatives. He was a wonderful man and so caring to our needs at the time of our losses. We were also able to attend several of the Masses at Old St. Patrick's. God bless all of you.

Our deepest sympathy,

Jack and Mary Discher

To the Gibbons family,

My most sincere condolences on your loss. I wish that I could have done more to help Tom over the past 9 months. Although I knew Tom for less than a year he made a strong impression and I wish I had known him earlier and under different circumstances. I am sorry that I an unable to say my goodbyes in person. Sincerely, Bill Simeral

Sincere sympathy to all the family on the loss of Tommy, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pat, & the entire Gibbons Family.

I am very sorry for the loss of a great man, your father. I also am sorry I can not make it in for the service. My fondest memories of Mr. Gibbons are from growing up when he would grill us about current events after school. I'll be thinking about all of you during these next couple of days.

There are people that make you laugh, light up a room, and make you feel like you are the only one that matters when you are speaking to each other. That is who Tom was to me and everyone he encountered.

Please except my deepest sympathy on your loss. Tom always serviced the families in need with the utmost respect and compassion. It was my honor and privilege to have known him.

Mike Hackiewicz (Catholic Cemeteries of Chicago)

To the Gibbons Family,
Our prayers and sincere condolonces.
Pat & Kathy Murphy

Dear Gibbons Family:
I’m sorry I couldn’t give my condolences in person – I wish you the best, and am truly sorry to have heard of the loss of Mr. Gibbons.

Auntie Rita, Colleen, Tucker, Michael, Patrick and family,

I am sorry that Uncle Tommy's battle has ended as I had hoped and prayed that he would somehow make it back to the way he used to be. At the same time, I am glad that his suffering is over and he is in a better place. I trust that God will provide for for all of you and that your memories will bring you joy.

Uncle Tommy and the entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there with all of you. Please know that I am there in spirit and prayer. God bless you and give you the strength to move forward. I wish you peace and hope that you will find comfort in knowing that God is with you every step of the way.

Love,
Sharon

We so fondly remember the wonderful summer with your family at Lake Geneva. Tom was a man you could always count on when times were difficult. We remember our time in Chicago is rich with happy memories of your kids when they were little.

Tom and I knew each other for over forty years. He was a compassionate person and always greeted you with a warm handshake. Our family attends the memorial masses at Old St. Pat's several times a year to remember the loved ones the Gibbons family took care of for two generations.
He will be missed.

Please knpw that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Tommy always had a kind word and a great smile for everyone. He will surely be missed.
The Tarpey Family

I'll always remember Tommy. He was not only gracious but so very helpful to me when I needed him. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him!! My deepest sympathy to you, Rita, and to your family.

To the Gibbons Family
So sorry for your sorrow and tremendous loss. Tom touched the lives of so many with his quick wit and humor. He will be missed so very much. May our prayers be with you. Godspeed.

Gibbons Family
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you. Tom was very gracious and caring while handling my wife's and in-laws(Byrne)families' services.

Dear Gibbons Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember Tommy's smile and laughter.

Kevin and Sue Laird

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We will really miss Tom.

God Bless,
Patsy and Fineen O'Driscoll

Our deepest condolences on the passing of Tom. He was always a pleasure to visit with. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The Rae/McDermott Families

To All the Gibbons Family: Your dad and your grandfather ( both Tommys), helped our family through many difficult times. The loss of "Young Tom" as we called him for so many years brings us great sorrow. I know you will have many fun memories through the years as Tom enjoyed life and especially a good story and his family. You are in our hearts and our prayers.

xo
The Wixted Family

With deepest sympathy from the Marren Family.

To the Gibbons Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Tommy. His humor and wit will be our best memory. Our prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Patricia Craig and Patrick Maguire

The Gibbons Family,
So sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He always had a joke, and was a pleasure to chat with hours on end. I will miss him very much.
Sincerely and in Namesake,
Mike

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. May he rest in peace.

To the Gibbons Family,
We are so sorry to hear the news of Tommy's passing. The Gibbons Family has been there through the years supporting generations of our family during our most difficult times, always with compassion, strong faith, and the talent to throw a good Irish wake like no one else could. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of our family are with you and your family.
The Hegarty and Monaghan Families

Dear Gibbons Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Wasowski Family

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

Dear members of the Gibbons family, and especially Tykee and Packey Green. Please accept my condolences on the loss of Tommy. I also have wanted to tell you, Tykee and Packey, of my sorrow upon having heard of the passing of your beloved daughter. I must have tried half a dozen times to put my feelings in print, but could not express what I wanted to say. I wish I could see you, but because of some recent foot surgery I find myself unable to drive for a while. Please accept my condolences on your loss.

Jim Kielty
2935 West Grace St.
Chicago, IL 60618

Dear Gibbons Family, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

The Gibbons Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. May he rest in peace.

Tommy Gibbons touched so many lifes. He had a unique gift of treating people like family during the saddest times in life-losing a loved one. With the "Gibbons Way", we knew arrangements were made as if we were members of your family. From the 1st phone call until the final day at the cemetery, the Gibbons family wrapped their arms around us with respect and love. I only speak for the Kernaghan and Thornton families, but I know there are thousands of people who feel the same as we do. So in the days ahead, may you all feel our gratitude and love and may it give you strength to say good-bye to one amazing man.
With love and prayers,
The Kernaghan and Thornton families

We were so saddened to hear of Tommy's death. What a truly great man. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Sheila (Collins) McShane & Family

Dear Rita, Betty and I are so sorry. Our deepest sympathy to you and all your family. I have many wonderful memories of the times we shared with you both when we visit and I think of them often. We love you all. John, Betty and all the O'Neill Family
136 Allenview Heights Newbridge
Co Kildare Ireland

Dear Gibbons Family,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of a great Irishman -- and a great man. In our times of greatest sadness, Tommy always had a joke or witty comment that comforted us and never failed to make us smile. Please know that he and you are in our prayers,
The O'Shea Family

The Gibbons Family: We are saddened to hear about Tommy. Our prayers are with all of you. I remember some fun times with him. Pat and Jackie Laird

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

Please know how saddened we are to hear of Tommy's passing. We know what a special man he was and how much he will be missed by his family and his multitude of friends. God bless you all ~

Our sympathy to the family.

As his father would have put it -- Another Irish soul gone to heaven!

Rita and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have known Tommy for ever and he will be greatly missed.

Kevin & Peggy Hester

To all the Gibbons,
Steve and I were saddened to hear of Tommy's death just as we were disheartened to hear of his terrible illness; we so hoped that he would beat it. Tommy truly epitomized what it means to be a Christian gentleman living the gospel in his daily life. And, of course, he was also a real character with great wit and lightning speed humor. We miss the days at the Dearborn Street house with the two Tommys and Phil, quite the threesome expounding on life and their views of the world. Tommy, you will be missed. God's blessing to your good soul, for a good soul you were.

Dear Maggie, Tykee, and Anne Rita, I am so sorry for your loss of Tommy. I have so many happy memories of our childhood at the Furneral Home, Lake Geneva, etc. Tommy, was the typical little brother. It rings in my memories of yelling " TOOMMMYY" when he would somehow drive us up the wall. We would be in trouble and Tommy came out smelling like a rose. May you rest in peace, Tommy Tucker. Love, Linda (Croft) Fiegel

Dear Rita and Family,
Offering our sincerest sympathy on the death of dear Tom. His warmth and good humor will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love,
Kathleen Keable & family (Michael & Anne and the Millers)

Dear Gibbons Family - our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mary Pat/Tommy Ryan

Our Sympathy and prayers

Sincere Sympathies to the Gibbons Family. I worked with Tom, right after Worsham College. Tom will be remembered in our prayers.
Sincerely, Bob Kerrigan, San Diego

Dear Gibbons Family,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of Tommy. I have fond childhood memories of him. When we would chance to meet as adults he was always kind and welcoming. He was fun.

Dear Gibbons Family,

So many good times, too many laughs to count. Tommy will be cherished in our memories forever.

The entire Farley family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during your time of loss.

Rita and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. He was larger than life - truly a great man. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed!

Dear Rita & Family, Tykee & Packy & Family, and all of the Gibbons- We send our deepest sympathy on the loss of Tommy. He truly lit up the place, wherever he was, and leaves this world a lesser place for his absence. We will have you all in our prayers, and know that Tommy will be watching over and warming your hearts and caring for you for all eternity, just as he did when he was with you.
We are in California, and so very sorry we cannot be there.
Dr. Tom & Sharon Bruno and family

I have not come across many who were more sincere in their caring, friendliness or generosity to others than Mr. Gibbons. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity of meeting him.

My Condolences on the loss of a Fine Gentleman, He was always very decent to my Family.

He will be missed by all

God Bless

Brian

Auntie Rita, Colleen, Tucker, Michael & Partick
I am so sad and broken hearted for the loss of Uncle Tommy he was a great man and a wonderful Uncle. I will remember him fondly. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this difficult time.

Fondest memories of good humour, laughter and kindness from when we first met in 1977 and he interviewed me on his radio show as his 'english cousin'.
Sincere sympathy to all the family on the loss of Tommy our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To the Gibbons Family,

We were saddened to hear of your loss. Tom was a great guy. Your family will be in our prayers.

Jerry and Cathy Fitzgerald

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grief. Tommy always had a kind word for all he met. He will be greatly missed by many. May all the great memories sustain you.

Dear Mike and Kerry and Gibbons family,

Our heartfelt condolences on your loss of such a genuinely friendly, nice man. Life is always too short and the "whys" of illness never understood.

The Smith's (Kerry's aunt and family)

Dearest Gibbons Family,
Our Hearts are broken over your tremendous loss! There will never be another quite like him. Tom was truly a special man and we willl all miss him! May your many fond memories carry you through this most difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God's Love Bless you and give you the wisdom and strength to find peace.
Mary & Marty Reilly and Family

Mr. Gibbons was a great man. We all shall miss him dearly.

Dear Gibbons Family,
My deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my prayers,
Sincerely,
Mary Cunningham (Skawski)

Please accept my condolences. Uncle Tommy will be missed.

Dear Rita, I'm so sorry. My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. I have many wonderful memories of fun times we all shared and I think of them often (thanks to Tykee's great photos). I love you all. Loretta and family

Our deepest sympathy to all the family - Mum and I grateful to have had recent visit to you all in November, and to have seen Tom in good spirits if not in health. Sorry we cant be with you. All our love and prayers, the MacNamaras, Bromley, Kent,England

My prayers and sympathies are with you all at this very sad time. Sincerely, (Fr) Michael Conroy, (St Patrick Fathers), St. Patrick's, Kiltegan, Co Wicklow, Ireland.