THOMAS M. FRANKLIN

Thomas M. Franklin, 91, of Carol Stream, formerly Palatine and Arlington Heights, IL. Tom Franklin spent a happy Christmas gathered with his family, son Gary (Vonette), daughter Denise LaRocco (Don), granddaughters Jill Laracuenta (Chris) and Lisa Eggert, and great-grandchildren Brooke and Luke Laracuenta and Cole Eggert. The following day he moved into his new home next door to his daughter where he lived for two peaceful weeks until he died in his sleep in the early hours of January 9. He had been waiting for this day since his beloved wife of 68 years, Jo, passed away nine months ago. He fell in love with Jo instantly when he met her at a dance in Chicago at the beginning of the 1940s. After the dance he told his mother he had just met the girl he was going to marry. But Tom and Jo lost touch for a while and Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He earned his Naval Aviator's Wings, which was one of his proudest accomplishments along with his service in World War II. And he went on to win Jo's heart. They married and raised their two children within a familial cocoon. The Naval Aviator's Wings bear a shield atop an anchor nestled within a pair of wings. This embodied what Tom was to his family - he was their shield, their anchor, their wings. Tom had a long and successful professional career in marketing. After he retired he used his skills to spearhead the fundraising to build Holy Family Church in Inverness. He was generous in his support of his community, helping to open a free health clinic, and in the many ministries in which he served. Tom was a kind, fair and patient man. He had a strong faith in God and saw the best in everyone. He was all heart, fun and laughter and he was a true friend through tough times. Tom was a study of analytical skills and precise measurements. He could see things from every angle and could fix or build anything with the precision of a master craftsman. He selflessly made himself and his skills available to his family and friends. Tom had a wonderful caregiver, Chris, and would want to express his heartfelt thanks for his loving and gentle care. Family was important to Tom who was a loving brother and uncle to those he leaves behind, his sister, Peggy Staley, brother Michael (Dolores), and many nieces and nephews. Tom and Jo were enormously suited for each other and literally danced through life together. They lit up when they looked at each other. They traveled to experience the world and simply loved life to the fullest. Suddenly age catches up and life changes, as it must. Tom and Jo - one without the other just didn't seem right. So while we are now sad to lose Tom, we are at the same time joyful that he and Jo are together again, for eternity, in their heavenly home. He has also been happily reunited with his mother, Margaret, his brother, Bill, and his sister, Marlene Finnerty. Tom's life inspires us to follow our hearts. He lived his life brimming with faith, hope, love and charity. He has earned his second pair of wings. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be sent to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 80 W. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067, who were very kind to Tom's mother, Margaret, through the end of her life at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly. Visitation Monday, January 13, 9:30 - 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2515 W. Palatine Road, Inverness. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will be held privately at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery. For information, 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com.