Thomas G. Carollo

In Loving Memory of Thomas Carollo

January 1, 1936 – November 6, 2025

Thomas "Tom" Carollo, known affectionately as Lovie, Pape, Herman, the Governor - and a few other names depending on the day - passed away peacefully on November 6, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born in Chicago to Sicilian parents, Giacomo and Antonina Carollo, Tom was brother to Sam, Johnny, Carmen, Jim, and Cathy. From the start, his Italian heritage was a source of deep pride which he passed down to his children and grandchildren through his stories, passion for Italian food and tradition, and unmistakable Carollo charm.

After graduating from Kelvyn Park High School in 1954, Tom dutifully served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home to the 82nd Airborne. He thoroughly enjoyed his assignment as an aide to a four-star general, purchasing cigars, picking up dry cleaning and driving the General's daughter to and from school.

Tom married Judy McDonald, the (first) love of his life, after meeting her at Peoples Gas. While taking night classes to earn his Bachelor's degree at Northwestern, he worked tirelessly to build a better life - an early sign of the drive and determination that defined him. Together, they had three daughters, Pam, Mary Jo, and Lisa, whom he adored beyond measure. While busy with work, studies, and fatherhood, Tom also served as President of the Elk Grove Village Jaycees (and counted among his many great achievements securing Miss Universe for a local parade).

The family thrived for ten years until they tragically lost Judy in an automobile accident. In an effort to give his girls the best life he could, he left his desk job and launched his first business, Schaumburg Schwinn. That shop kicked off a lifetime of entrepreneurial ventures and real estate development.

Tom found the (last) love of his life with Karen Fletter, a spirited United Airlines stewardess. They married and welcomed their son, Tom Jr. ("TJ"), completing the family.

Throughout their 52-year marriage, Tom and Karen traveled the world, developed an amazing social circle and became steadfast patriarch and matriarch of their growing family. Their life was filled with adventure. He especially enjoyed family ski trips, cruises, biking the concrete beaches of Chicago, and grouper fishing on his beloved boat, Thru Hummin'.

After the infamous Chicago blizzard of '78, Tom declared, "Enough of this!" and moved his family to his true paradise, Naples, Florida.

In Naples, he launched The Patio People, blending his love for sunshine, people, and enterprising vision. When he wasn't working, Tom could be found perfecting his golf swing, organizing condo board and school PTO meetings, leading TJ's soccer team from the bottom of the league to a championship - despite not knowing a single soccer rule – and telling jokes that always landed (well, almost always).

Tom's countless dear friends were a vital thread in the fabric of his life. Their camaraderie, laughter, and unwavering bond brought Tom endless joy through every chapter of his journey, from his youth in Chicago to his later years when he refused to let his physical limitations slow him down.

Tom's proudest legacy remains his family. He is survived by his wife Karen, his children Pam, Mary Jo (Vince Pennino), Lisa (Michael Kelley), and TJ (Ashley Morrison). His memory will be forever cherished by his grandchildren Dillon, Jackson, Ryan, Grace (Brandon Alexanian), Sofia, and Mara, and his great-grandson Nathan - each of whom inherited a bit of his wit, warmth, and determination. Tom was also deeply loved by his many nieces and nephews who considered him a surrogate grandfather, mentor and trusted adviser in life.

His influence will live on through the many lives he touched as well as his famous signature phrases, which will be deeply missed - and fondly repeated - for generations to come.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 11th at 10:45 a.m., with a gathering at Tom and Karen's home immediately to follow. In addition, a Celebration of Life Event will be scheduled for December. In true Tom Carollo fashion, it will be a gathering full of laughter, stories, food and love - just the way he would've wanted.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Tom's memory to support research and treatment efforts for Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome via this link: National Fragile X Foundation