Name: Visitation for Thomas Gribben
Start: 2014-01-26T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-01-27T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Downers Gr

Thomas E. Gribben, 65, of Downers Grove, IL, passed away on January 22, 2014 after a long, courageous battle with ALS. Tom was born in Berwyn, IL on September 10, 1948. He graduated from Morton West High School and continued on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Houston, and a Law Degree from The John Marshall Law School. While at the University of Houston, Tom had an illustrious basketball career, playing on a Hall of Fame team who went to the Final Four twice. In 1968, Tom played for Coach Guy Lewis in the "Game of the Century" vs. UCLA. In 2008, Tom and his teammates were inducted into the University of Houston Hall of Fame. Tom worked for six years as a Public Defender on the Murder Task Force for Cook County before becoming a Partner at Lanzillotti, Gribben & Marchuk in Berwyn, IL in 1981.Tom's love for basketball never ended. He coached Girls Basketball at many levels, including his daughter's traveling Wolfpack team, and for several local High Schools. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Mariellen, nee Browall, his two children, Kelly Dussman and her husband Luke, and Cody Gribben; his grandson Tommy; his father, Thomas Gribben and step-mother, Phyllis; his brother Dan Gribben; his two sisters, Karen Thomas and Carolyn Gribben; his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and many friends.Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Rose Gribben, nee Vacovsky. We will miss Tom's zest for life. He was an avid golfer, he loved to dance to Motown and The Rolling Stones, spend time at The Lake, and smoke an occasional cigar with his best buddy, Al. Visitation will be held from 3:00pm to 9:00pm on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan Funeral Home, 4343 Main Street, (1 blk. So. of Ogden Ave.) Downers Grove, IL 60515. A service to celebrate Tom's life will begin at 7:00pm. All are welcome. The family of Thomas Gribben wishes to thank Adventist St. Thomas Hospice as well as Viola Diaz, Tom's loving caregiver. For info 630/968-1000 or www.adamswinterfieldsullivan.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Jan. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gribben

23 Entries

JoeCapenigro

January 17, 2023

I think often of my times spent with Tommy. Fond memories of great times and laughter. I miss you my friend. JoeCapenigro

Laura Proa

February 10, 2014

Tom was a wonderful boss and an excellent attorney - so smart. He was so easy to work for, I am truly going to miss him. I only wish I had the opportunity to work for him longer. Miss you mucho. Your Secretary Laura

February 10, 2014

Our prayers and warm thoughts are with you and your family, Karen. Our deepest sympathy,
MJ (Fisher) and Gary Gabrielsen

jim perry

February 4, 2014

i wanted to send this late message, that tom was part of our houston cougar family, on behalf of all the student athletes from the university of houston where tom was a star guard, and outstanding student, all his teammates send there love, and prayers to his family, i came after tom, and also played for coach lewis from 73-77, i had the pleasure meeting tom, and he was a real fine man, i spoke to vern lewis who was a teammate of toms and the entire lewis family all sends there prayers, when we lose one of ours its a loss for all, god bless tom, and the entire gribben family, jim perry

February 1, 2014

The love of my cousin's life, wonderful, loving husband and father to his children, Tom will be missed

David Rench

January 31, 2014

I am sorry to hear about Tom's passing. I remember Tom as a high school friend. He was a great guy and was always ready to smile. He will be missed. My fondest moments with Tom were on the basketball court. The court was one of the many areas that he excelled in. Peace to him and his family. Sincerely, David a. Rench

The Staff of Adams-Winterfield & Sullivan

January 29, 2014

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Evita walker

January 28, 2014

Thomas Gribben was a good man, and an excellent attorney. He helped alot of people, without his help I wouldn't be were i'am today. You will truly be missed. My condolences to your family. God Bless you Mr.Gribben.

Larry & Sandy Erickson

January 26, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with those you left behind. We will miss you Tom!

Bob & Joanne Pollack

January 26, 2014

To the family of Tom Gribben,

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.
I knew Tom back when I was a police
officer in Cicero, then when I worked at
the 4th. District Circuit Court in Maywood.
Our sympathy and prayers are with you at
this time of sorrow.

John + Nadia Miller

January 26, 2014

Our condolences to the family.
I remember an athlete who was fun to play with and against back in the 70s

Nancy Oates

January 25, 2014

My condolences and prayers to the Gribben family.

January 25, 2014

All my prays for the Gribben family Tom was truly one of the good guys and will be missed

liz baxter

January 24, 2014

My deepest sympathies Karen to you and your family...

Sharon Hirtzer

January 24, 2014

Our sympathy and prayers continue for Mariellen and her entire family. While I can't be there to help celebrate Tom's life, you all will be in my thoughts. Joe and I both extend our deepest regards. Bless You,

jack hode

January 24, 2014

The Jack Hode Family sends prayers and sympathy during this difficult time. Tom did it the right way... he was one of the reasons I wanted to be a Morton West athlete. It started in grade school. I would head to Morton West basketball games to watch him. God Bless him, and his family, and all of you.

Joe Capenigro

January 24, 2014

To a true friend and loyal pal , you were always there when in need ! You will be truly missed . Rest my friend,

Joe & Charlotte Hunt

January 24, 2014

Mariellen, we are saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We knew he was ill and then your Christmas letter prepared us for the worst, and still the news is devastating. Tom was a huge part of Joe's life growing up, and in fact he was the best man at our wedding. The years and miles may have separated us but he was mentioned more often than you would guess, and he will be forever in our hearts. We cannot attend the services, we are out of state until spring, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you and the entire Gribben Family.

Dennis Torii

January 24, 2014

To the Gribben Family
Extending Sympathy and Condolences to the the family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Torii Family

Joseph Kerke

January 24, 2014

My condolences and prayers to the Gribben family.
I remember Tom as guard for the Morton West basketball team; everyone respected him for his athletic talent and caring personality.

Deb Pater

January 24, 2014

My sincere and deepest sympathy to Toms family and extended family.
May God watch over all of you as you grieve and celebrate Toms life

Mary Kay Buffo

January 24, 2014

Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of Tom....he really was a great guy. I am so very sorry for your pain but he is at peace now. Maryellen and the entire Gribben family are in my thoughts and prayers.....

DRAGANA KONATAREVIC

January 23, 2014

offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.And to his family are dipust soory his going to be mist in are lives and are family. FROM ;MILLI.S PLACE/MILENA PETROVIC WITH FAMILY DRAGANA KONATAREVIC WITH ZORICA KONATAREVIC.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results