Thomas Pierce

Thomas “Tom” Pierce, of La Grange Park, passed away on July 22, 2024 at the age of 79 at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital.

Tom lived a rich life filled with friendships and kindness, love and laughter. He would say that ‘tomorrow is not a guarantee,’ and he lived his life cherishing the day and spreading joy to anyone who got pulled into his warm and embracing orbit. If you knew Tom, you knew that when you asked him how he was doing, you always got the same answer; “Like always, Fantastic.” Which was immediately followed by, “Did you hear the one about the…?”

Over the last couple of years, Tom faced ongoing health issues, yet despite these, he continued to show courage and determination and chose to face each day with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Tom continued telling jokes and making people smile until the end. He was a warm light in the world.

Tom worked various jobs throughout his life, but the career he truly settled into was working with computers and IT at Leo Burnett. Tom would say that he was blessed in life, having a job that he loved and women who loved him. He was fortunate to have two great loves: first marrying Patsy in 1971 and then, after her passing (2003), Diana in 2007, who he lost in 2016.

Tom loved traveling and showing his wives the beauty and wonderment of the world. He was proud of making it to all 50 states and always eager to provide recommendations big and small, whether a mountain or roadside diner; he loved the rich fabric of the country.

He was always ready to offer a hand to anyone in need and helped many friends over the years. What Tom loved most, though, was making people laugh and feel warm. He was always ready with a joke (or twenty) and always had a new one in his quiver that he could pull out in any circumstance. The man had a steel trap of a mind and could spin off stories and facts to no end. And did we mention the jokes?

That is what Tom did; he spread joy and happiness. He was thankful for every day on this beautiful planet and lived life to the fullest. He was a special person and will be deeply missed.

Tom leaves behind many loved ones. Tom is the beloved husband of the late Diana Pierce, nee Boots, and the late Patricia Pierce, nee Palunas; dear father of Kelly (Ryan) McGinnis; brother of Pat (James) Pierce and Ruth (the late Phil) McGuire and the late Bob (Patty) McCartney and Nancy McCartney; special uncle and great uncle to many. Tom leaves behind many longtime friends of the BS’ers club and his two grand pups, Lazy and Crazy.

“Keep smiling. It makes them wonder what you’ve been up to”

-Tom

Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and on Friday, August 2, 2024 from 10:30 A.M. to time of Service 11:00 A.M. at Hitzeman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, Il 60513. Luncheon to follow.

Interment Private Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com

For those of you that would like to express your condolences to the family, please click on the link below and you can leave the family a message. If you wish to send a sympathy card to the family, please feel free to send it to Hitzeman Funeral Home, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513, c/o Thomas Pierce Family. We will gladly forward it on to the family.