O’Doherty, Thomas K.

Thomas K. O’Doherty, age 94, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on April 25, 2021. Affectionately known to many as Grandpa Tom, he was born on October 29, 1926, in Chicago, Illinois to Francis and Margaret O’Doherty. Grandpa Tom is survived by Rosemary (nee Hennessy), his wife of 72 years, his children Kevin (Michele) and Kathy, and his grandchildren Kevin (Carrie), Meghan, who preceded in death in 2016, Molly (Brandon), and Ryan (Kate). Grandpa Tom was so proud of his eight great-grandchildren, Eileen, Paige, Tom, Tess, Ronan, Scott, Gigi, and Finn. He was a beloved brother-in-law and dear uncle. He was preceded in death by his three brothers, Norbert, St. Eugene, and James. After attending Calumet High School and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Grandpa Tom began a career as a design engineer for the railroad and car transport industries. He held many patents over the years for designing essential train parts and auto shipping hardware. In 1983 Grandpa Tom switched gears and entered the world of commodity trading, joining his son Kevin as a broker at the CBOT. In his retirement years, Grandpa Tom and Rosemary enjoyed their many trips with friends, and he especially relished their annual trip to their condo in Naples, Florida for the winter months. Above all, Grandpa Tom loved Rosemary and his family. His favorite pastimes included attending social activities with Rosemary, singing, and playing cards and golf. He was a lifelong fan of the Cubs and Tom Skilling. Grandpa Tom painstakingly researched and constructed his Irish family’s genealogy on his PC and read a book a week. Grandpa Tom and Rosemary made a life transition in November of 2018, moving into the assisted living community of Atria in Bolingbrook, where they enjoyed new friends and activities. The family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the staff at Atria for making Grandpa Tom’s last years and final days so filled with abundant love and excellent care. The family would also like to thank the staff of Angels Grace Hospice for their outstanding care. The seamless coordination of care among Atria staff, Angels Grace Hospice, and his family members enabled Grandpa Tom to pass on peacefully to his next adventure. A private celebration of Grandpa Tom’s life, for immediate family, will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-Jude. html?frequency_selected=2&sc_icid=memfaqlp-donate-text-notifyquestion Arrangements by Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory. Info 630-355-0264. www.beidelmankunschfh.com

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