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Thomas Patrick Mangan
Thomas Patrick Mangan
Obituary
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Thomas Mangan Obituary
Born on March 16, 1949, to the late Margaret and Thomas Mangan in Chicago, Illinois, Tom was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Papa, fond uncle, cherished brother-in-law, and loyal friend to many. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Katherine "Kathy" nee Grady, of 50 years; daughters, Bridget Gresh (Jim), Deirdre, Caitlin (John Kaketsis), and Nora (Chris Cirillo); and his grandchildren Keara, Nuala, Declan, Ronan, and Mairead Gresh.
He is also survived by his loving sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws in addition to many dear nieces and nephews.
Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, Margaret nee Doherty (who sadly passed away when Tom was only 16 years old), Thomas J. Mangan and step-mother Rita Mangan, his loving and devoted sister Marge Migler, his wonderful and hilarious brother-in-law Patrick Grady, his mother and father in-law Eileen and William Grady, and many other cherished family and friends.
Tom grew up on the southside of Chicago and graduated from St. Ailbe Catholic School in 1963 followed by Mt. Carmel High School, class of 1967. He continued his education at the University of Notre Dame (where he met the love of his life at a dance) graduating with the class of 1971.
Tom then went on to teach and coach freshman football at St. Laurence High School from 1971 - 1978. He loved his time there and made lifelong friendships with fellow teachers and former football players. Tom was incredibly honored and humbled to be inducted into the St. Laurence Hall of Fame in November of 2016.
While teaching at St. Laurence, Tom went to law school at night. Upon graduating law school in 1978, he started at the law firm of Garbutt and Jacobson before moving on to Schoen and Smith. He would later become a partner at Schoen, Mangan, and Smith Ltd. In 2016, Tom became the Chief Attorney of Torts Litigation at the Chicago Transit Authority. His time as an attorney left Tom with countless friendships.
Tom was a hard-working attorney; however, his true passion was coaching. While practicing law, he also began his career of coaching girls' basketball. He was a proud coach at St. Barnabas, The Willows Academy (where The Mr. Mangan award is still given out each year), Windy City Basketball Club, and Christ the King. The bonds he formed with his players and parents of players were so special to him.
Throughout his retirement, Tom remained a dedicated basketball coach, avid reader (often reading three books at a time on history or sports), volunteer at nursing homes, chauffeur to his grandchildren, and number one fan at sporting events of his grandchildren or former players. He loved visiting his friends, being a member of the "Royalberry Breakfast Crew," as well as attending the annual baseball trips with his Notre Dame buddies. Tom could also be found at daily mass and was an active parishioner and lector at St. Barnabas.
Above all, there was nothing Tom enjoyed more than spending time with his very best friend Kathy, his daughters, his son-in-laws, and his grandchildren. Family was simply everything to him.
Tom's legacy is one of a life well-lived and well-loved, a beacon of what it means to be a good man, a good friend, and a good soul. He will be incredibly missed.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas Catholic Church 10134 S Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Internment at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery at 87th Street & S. Hamlin Avenue, Evergreen Park, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to one of the four schools where he coached:
St. Barnabas School
10121 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60643
The Willows Academy
1015 Rose Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016
In Loving Memory (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E356516&id=38)
St. Laurence High School
5556 West 77th Street, Burbank, IL 60459
In Loving Memory (https://www.stlaurence.com/give/)
Christ the King School
9420 S. Hoyne Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Constance Whitley
May 6, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. May Tom´s memory be eternal.
Brother Michael Segvich, CFC
May 5, 2025
My prayerful condolences to the Mangan family upon the passing of Tom.
Thomas Gorman
May 4, 2025
On behalf of the Gorman family I offer my condolences to Kathy and the entire family. I will always remember Tom´s kind spirit and words of encouragement as I started my own legal career. His presence at my father´s side near his end will never be forgotten.
Tom Manning
May 2, 2025
Mr. Mangan is one of those teachers that truly had an impact on my life. He made learning fun while teaching the values of hard work and dedication. I will always remember that history class my junior year and was quite sad to hear of his passing.
Tom Manning class of '78
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Sr. Maribeth Howell, OP
May 2, 2025
While Tom was a classmate of mine at St. Ailbe´s, we grew up in the same "large and unusual" three flat complex, east of Stony Island, prior to attending St. Ailbe´s. Throughout grade school, Tom was always known as SMART, kind, and just a good person. After high school, I lost touch, other than emails about class reunions. Attending Tom´s funeral today, I must say that I am sorry not to have known him in our adult years. What an incredible man!
My prayers to Kathy and daughters continue.
God bless, Maribeth Howell, OP
John Principe, MD
May 2, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the family and relatives of Mr. Mangan. I was blessed to have him as my freshman English teacher in 1971. Engaged, Enthusiastic and Kind, he helped me grow in knowledge and wisdom my freshman year. This past year I was able to connect with him at Tom Rezek's memorial service and enjoyed my time with him at that event. I was so looking forward to seeing him again at the class of 1975 50th reunion. May God's perpetual light shine on him in the special place of heaven, Valhalla. John R Principe, MD
Matt Hennesen
May 2, 2025
My first job as an attorney was at a firm that rented space from Tom's firm. I knew Tom only in that context, but he was an extraordinarily kind person. I still recall when my Dad passed away in 2013, Tom provided some words of condolence that I still remember. I also remember Tom having a pretty good sense of humor. My thoughts are with his family.
Louis Ori and Family
May 2, 2025
I had the privilege of helping Tom coach girl´s basketball at St. Barnabas. Tom volunteered to be the Head Coach even though he didn´t have a daughter on the Team and he coached the girls for years. He just loved the girls that much. The girls just adored Mr. Mangan. Tom was a great Coach but more importantly he was just such a friendly and kind person. His was so whimsical and funny. His stories were priceless. He made the practices and games something to look forward to. I don´t know that I have ever meet a more selfless person in my life. He obviously loved coaching and I am glad he lived his life doing something he loved. He is a great example of living life to the fullest. Thinking of Tom will always bring a smile to my face. So thank you Tom.
Dan Ryan 79
May 2, 2025
Coach Mangan was my first contact at St. Laurence and continued to be a mentor and friend. He was truly a great coach on and off the field.
Daniel Gregus
May 1, 2025
Tom was one of the best teachers and coaches I have ever had, and was always good for a laugh. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Kenneth J Kufner
May 1, 2025
r.i.p. sir, rip. respectfully, Ke k '85
Mike O´Loughlin
May 1, 2025
My brother´s wife, Cathy, a person with a great sense of character, recently told me about meeting this wonderful man in her parish who taught me in high school and he said `Hello´. Her description fit Mr. Mangan so well that when she said his name, I replied simply replied "Of course! He was a neat guy. Everyone really liked him."
Mike Cahill, in a separate message here, summed up Mr. Mangan´s impact on his students perfectly. (I now how understand better why we did so well in football.... Mr. Mangan´s MC coaching secrets!)
My take:
Mr. Mangan is a great guy.
Our corner of Earth is a better place in part by his being here.
Heaven is now a wee bit better too.
-Mike O´Loughlin
St. Laurence H.S.
Class of 1975
Bill Walsh
April 30, 2025
Dear Kathy, Bridget, Deirdre, Caitlin, and Nora,
Our deepest condolences to all of you.
We remember Tom as a kind, Christian person, who was thoughtful to Bill during his recovery after heart surgery.
We have fond memories of Tom coaching the girl's basketball games, (Molly, Bridget and etc.) at St. Barnabas. What patience!!!
Peace, Bill and Kate Walsh
Jim Muting
April 30, 2025
Tom was a great guy. I had him as a teacher at STL in the 1970's. He was an awesome teacher. When I came back to STL in 2005 as principal, I saw Tom at many school events. Even though he graduated from MC, he bled Black and Gold. I am going to miss our conversations about basketball and "The Rez." Rest in Peace!
kay weir
April 30, 2025
My sincere condolences to you and your entire family. I spoke of you at each of our St. Ailbe reunions. It was a pleasure working with one of my fellow graduates. He will be missed at our next reunion.
Mike Cahill
April 29, 2025
My Freshman year at St. Laurence in 1971, Tom was my Homeroom Teacher. I also had Tom as a History teacher my Junior year. He quickly became my favorite teacher with his sharp sense of humor. In 1972 he coached Freshman Football, but he would help out with the Varsity on Sundays as a member of a coaching staff that won the 1972, 73, & 74 City Champs and the 1976 State Champs. I know Tom was a proud Carmel man, but he also was a Laurence man who appropriately was inducted in the Laurence Athletic Hall of Fame. I would always see Tom at St. Laurence Golf Outings and final Four Parties. And I always made a point of sitting with him and listen to all his stories about St. Laurence. He always had me laughing. I remember coming out of the locker room after Football practice and this beautiful brunette driving a red Maverick (Kathy), waiting to pick up Tom to take him to law school. We all thought how lucky he was. But the truth is how lucky we were to have you in our lives for 76 years. I am glad I got to see you two months ago at Northwestern, but I still prayed that you would get better. God Speed my Friend. Mike Cahill `75 St. Laurence.
Ellen Middendorf
April 29, 2025
So very sorry to hear about Tom. I knew him at St. Barnabas and my husband Bill and he coached there together. He was a kind and generous man.
Ellen Middendorf
JoElllen & Tom O'Keefe
April 29, 2025
A wonderful coach, teacher, and especially friend. Fewer smiles and a lot less laughter now. Thank God for all of the memories of Tom to continue to brighten our days.
JoEllen & Tom O'Keefe
Colleen Dykas
April 29, 2025
Tom Mangan was the best of best. He was fun to be with and always had a smile to share . Joe and Tom were colleagues at St Laurence HS which grew into a lifelong friendship. He was generous, kind, smart, honest, sincere, an all around good soul who will be dearly missed!
Dr. James & Marie Adamo and Family
April 29, 2025
Tom was an absolute rock of strength and stability to his wife and four daughters. It is a rare man in our society today who so steadily, faithfully, joyfully and humbly sacrifices his time and talent to the betterment of family and community as did Tom.
"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."
-Quote by Washington Irving
Dennis Ryan
April 28, 2025
I was privileged to know Tom and call him a friend for over 50 years. Everyone who met him remembers his huge smile and love for telling stories. Behind his smile and stories was also a man devoted to his wife, his family and his faith. We will miss him dearly.
Denny and Eileen Ryan
Bill Murphy
April 28, 2025
Tom, as a reminder, tell Rez, Dykas, Coffey,
Charlie and Badke to save my spot when you initiate "Faculty Basketball "-wherever you
Guys have finally resided. Murph
PS MANGS PLEASE LET THE OTHER GUYS
SHOOT ONCE IN A WHILE!
Ron Passarelli
April 28, 2025
Tom was my first coach when I was a Freshman at StL in 1977. Encouraging, smart and always quick with a funny joke or comment. He was tough, but used wit instead of harsh words to get the most out of people. He was also a fellow attorney and our paths crossed a few times professionally. Always friendly and quick to greet others at StL. He will be missed. RIP Coach.
James Dunne
April 28, 2025
Tom was a really great guy. Nice is the word that comes to mind first. Always willing to help. New Tom from St. Ailbe and Carmel. Terrific person all the way. Condolences to his family.
Jim Dunne
Mike Houlihan
April 28, 2025
Tom was a gent as well as a great guy, who was always glad to see his old pats from Mt. Carmel. God rest his lovely soul.
Mike Houlihan
MC Class of '67
Victoria Falsey
April 28, 2025
Tom was a great guy and loved his family. Everyone loved him . He was one of our bosses at Schoen, Mangan & Smith. It was an honor to know him and work for him. He was always happy and joking around. Not a mean bone in his body. At our firm, he would dictate 2 sided tapes that took forever to type and we would joke about it. We called them abstracts and tried to avoid doing them. It was an honor knowing him and he will be missed. Rest in peace now. An old irish saying: May the road rise up to meet you now, As stars begin to shine, And Irish winds blow soft and low Through groves of ancient pine. May heaven hold you in its arms, As loved ones bid farewell, While memories sweet as Irish rain In hearts forever dwell.
Ed McCambridge
April 28, 2025
I was fortunate to be at Mt. Carmel with Tom. We had ythe same classes together and worked on the school newspaper. It was easy to become Tom's friend. Interesting Toms and I dated girls from Aquinas who were best friends and that meant that we doubled all the time. In fact we doubled to our senior prom. Over the years I kept in contact with him and because I was a lawyer also we talked about our experiences. Toom did the same kind of work that I did so we had a lot in common. In the past few years I played golf with him and we worked on our Mt. Carmel 50th anniversary together.
Tom was always interesting to be with and always was a gentleman. He could make anyone laugh in an instant. There was never a dull time with him. He could tell great stories or bring you up to date at all that was going on at Mt. Carmel.
Tom was a great Man of Carmel and gave the school and our class a lot of his time and effort. We have lost a great member of the class of 1967.
I offer my prayers to his family, but I know they will be sustained by the great memories he has left them.
May His Memory be Eternal
Ed McCambridge
Tom Jarosik
April 28, 2025
RIP Tom...Our Lady of Mt. Carmel pray for the repose of his soul.
Tom and Linda Jarosik
Mike Maloney
April 28, 2025
Tom Mangan was one of "the good guys." I was so happy to have coached basketball with Tom at Windy City Girls Basketball Club and Saint Barnabas as well! The stories that Tom told me when we frequently visited Foxes for Pizza, were great and among the most entertaining stories I have ever heard. Tom obviously loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, as well as his extended family!
I will miss Tom greatly... Tom... please save a spot at the table for me if there's a pizza place in heaven!
Love and condolences to Kathy and the entire Mangan crew!
Mike Maloney
Mount Carmel High School
April 28, 2025
The thoughts and prayers of the Mount Carmel High School community are with your family during these days. May the saints of Carmel welcome Tom into God's eternal embrace and may Our Lady of Mount Carmel wrap you in the mantle of her love and care.
- Mount Carmel High School
BarbMurphy
April 28, 2025
Tom´s surprise 70th birthday! He was truly surprised and everyone had a ball!
Lew Babinski
April 28, 2025
Tom was a dear friend dating back to 1967 at Notre Dame. I always enjoyed our conversations. He was just a tremendous person. The world was a better place with him in it. All my prayers for Kathy and the whole family.
Lew Babinski
Barbara Murphy
April 28, 2025
Tom´s beloved St.Laurence Hall of fame. He devoted countless hours to building, and nominating people, coaches and students to be honored .
Rick Federici
April 28, 2025
So sorry to hear of Tom´s passing. He was a great friend and fellow Basketball Coach at Windy City Basketball Club. The trips to Eau Claire, and Notre Dam, and all those crazy venues we´d travel just to coach kids we didn´t know, but we sure had fun learning who the kids and their parents were. I also enjoyed meeting him for lunch on many occasions downtown. His friendship and sense of humor is something I will cherish. Hope to meet up with Tom in Heaven, he was a very religious person , so I know he´s there, just hope he looks out for me with my remains time on earth and makes sure I get there too. Love you Tom and I´m gonna miss you buddy.
Bill and Barb Murphy
April 28, 2025
Tom was a beloved friend for many years and our son´s godparent along with Kathy. His humorous stories will always be remembered.
Jim Muldoon
April 28, 2025
The first recollection, that many will have, was Tom's marvelous sense of humor. Even greater than his wit were his virtuousness and nobility. Then, even greater, he was a most dear and loyal friend. I loved him most deeply.
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