Thomas J. Gildea

I knew him as T.J. for 59 years.We were only 14 months apart, having the greatest time growing up. He went away and we kept in touch and loved each other for ever. When we talked it was about our wonderful kids and things we enjoyed with them. I now know, after reading the tributes to T.J., that many people knew an extraordinary man. I always knew he was an exceptional brother, husband and father. It does my heart good to read so many remembrances of my brother. He will live on in so many...

Tom – never to be forgotten. I will cherish the memories of this intelligent, loving, complicated man until I, too, die. In searching his favorite poets’ works, one of his own early poems emerged as a tribute to his spirituality and insight:

Prayer

Does His hand just come in morning
and leave us to face darkness alone?

Does He calm the waters that threaten us or
turn a sigh into a moan ?

The short life is best, in this, the limbo of our...

My heartfelt sympathies to the Gildea family. I worked for Tom at Helene Curtis until 1997. I learned alot from Tom and enjoyed the many projects and challenges we faced. He was always around to inspire and keep you on task. He will be missed by many.

To the Gildea Family,

My hearfelt sympathy for your loss. I had the opportunity and good fortune to work with Tom during my career at Helene Curtis. He was an inspiring leader, and a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. He was a valued colleage at Helene Curtis. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

it has been many years since i had seen T.J. but i have thought of him often.my deepest sympathy to his wife and children in thier time of sorrow.also to raymond,brian and maureen.my prayers are with you.i will light a candle for T.J. at st.marys church. richard(pudge)reilly (cousin)

To the Gildea Family ~ Tom & I were colleagues at the Center for Research in Information Management at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he served a distinguished term as Chair of our Advisory Board and subsequently as a member. Throughout, we all greatly valued his warm friendship,brilliant insights, and visionary ideas. I will miss him. My best to you. ~ Herb

Tom was a great friend and mentor, and one of the most inspiring leaders I have known. His generosity with his time and talents will be sorely missed by everyone whose path he crossed.

Dear Maureen,
Although our time to know Tom was brief, his energy for life and his love for his family were unmistakably present in the memorial service this morning. Marie and I know you must have wonderful memories of a man who was held in the highest esteem by everyone who knew him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.