THOMAS E. KILBANE

THOMAS E. KILBANE, age 86. Beloved husband of 55 years to Mary Jane (nee Manak); father of Tom (Colleen), Mary Greive (Dave), Sheila Becker (John, "Seanie"), Anne Kurz (Pete) and Marty (Colleen); grandfather of Martin, Michael and Thomas Kilbane, Megan, Danny and Bryan Greive, Mary Grace, Leah, John and Jacqueline Becker, Jack and Madison Kurz and Will Kilbane; brother of Rose Ann Wise (the late Art), Jack (Lois), Joe (Beth), Eileen (deceased), Catherine Schneider (Russ) (both deceased), Bernie (deceased) (Ava), Marty (Coletta) (both deceased), Mickey (deceased) and Peggy (deceased); uncle and friend of many.

Tom was a devout Catholic, and his family and faith were everything to him. He was a proud member and defender of Right to Life.

Tom was born on June 24, 1934, at home on W. 73 to Bryan and Celia (Corrigan) and was one of ten kids. He loved his parents and siblings fiercely and would do anything for them. He was an uncle to 39 and provided many Easter Baskets and even a dog to them. 

Tom started working for the Pipefitters’ Local 120 at the age of 17. It was there that he learned to “do it right the first time”.  Throughout the years, he provided many people with quality plumbing side jobs and so often refused payment. Tom loved hanging out with friends at the Sweet Shop and Diney’s Drive-In.

He met the love of his life in 1956, but it took him 10 years to realize it.  Tom and Mary Jane were married on April 30, 1966, with over 500 invitations being sent out and his mother needing an additional 25. They were married for 55 years and raised 5 kids in West Park. The door on Truax Ave was always open and the kitchen table was a place many people sat in a cloud of smoke (before he quit smoking) drinking endless cups of coffee and sharing stories. 

Tom loved hunting, fishing, beagles and boxing. He was a prankster and master storyteller and often people had to wonder if some of the stories were true.

Tom’s kids and grandkids were blessed to have him as a father and grandfather. He instilled in them his Catholic faith and love of Marblehead. In his kind and humble manner, he gave them countless advice and taught them the importance of family.  He loved attending every game or event the grandkids participated in.

If you were one of Tom’s family or friends you experienced his unconditional love and were so fortunate to have his loyalty. Family, friends and his faith were the most important things to him.

Passed away May 16, 2021. Funeral Mass Saturday, May 22, Our Lady of Angels Church (3644 Rocky River Dr.) at 10:00 AM. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME of CLEVELAND, 4420 ROCKY RIVER DR. AT PURITAS FRIDAY 4-7 PM. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Monastery of the Poor Clares, 3501 Rocky River Dr. Cleveland, OH 44111 or to St. Colman Church Restoration Fund, 2027 West 65th Street Cleveland, OH 44102.

The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Chambers Funeral Homes Facebook page (link to our Facebook page below):

https://www.facebook.com/Chambers-Funeral-Homes-1560347080741913