Robert Tharpe

Tharpe, Robert AKA Tommy Dark, 72 of Chicago, IL passed peacefully on Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Loving son of Mildred and late Kermit Tharpe, father of Robert Jr., Joy Evett, and Mario, grandfather of Tyler, Brian, and Melissa (deceased), brother, Billy, special friends, Gene Chandler, Joyce, Anita, Rosa, Mary Ann, Leon, and devoted companion, Tina Ford. Tommy was one of the original members of the early 1960's singing group "The Ideals." In 1965, Tommy and friend Jerry Murray became the duo Tom and Jerrio. The duo launched the Boogaloo dance craze with their hit song, the "Boo-Ga-Loo." Later he became the road manager for Gene "The Duke of Earl" Chandler. Funeral Services Wednesday, July 28, Wake 11:00 a.m. and Funeral 12:00 p.m. at Resurrection United Methodist Church, 5717 W. 63rd Place, Chicago, IL.