Thomas Comer

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas "Tom" Martin Comer, 83, of Chicago, on January 24, 2026.

Tom is survived by his brother John (Margaret) Comer, nephews Brian Comer and Kevin (Kara) Comer, grandnephews and grandnieces Colum, Anna, John, Marty, Elizabeth, Mary, Beatrice, Bridget, Ruth, Thomas and Millie Comer. His aunt Mary Kate Comer of Co. Galway, Ireland; close first cousins in Chicago, Rosemary and John McManamon, Tom (Mary Ellen) Coogan, Dennis (the late Vicky) Grogan, Kathleen (the late Patrick) Comer; as well as first cousins in Ireland, Mary (Peter) Murphy of Co. Mayo, Anne (Tomas) Kyne of Co. Galway, John David Keane of Co. Mayo, Mary Scott of Co. Sligo, Margaret Keane of Co. Mayo, Mary (Pat) Keary of Co. Galway, Alice (Francis) Halvey of Co. Galway, Tom Joe Grogan of Co. Galway and many more beloved family and close friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Comer, and his stepmom, Alice Comer.

A lifelong Chicagoan, Tom was raised on Chicago's northside by his father, a Chicago firefighter, and his mother, Margaret (until her passing) and then lovingly raised by Alice. He graduated from Saint Sebastian Elementary School and then Saint Benedict High School in 1960. Tom earned his undergraduate degree and graduate degrees from Northern Illinois University, all of which focused on education.

Tom was a devoted educator for his entire career. First serving as a vice principal, his true calling was in the classroom working directly with students, which he did for the vast majority of his years in the Chicago Public Schools.

While Tom never married nor had children, he was a treasured uncle who was always incredibly loving and extraordinarily kind to his nephews; later on, he absolutely fell head over heels for his grandnephews and grandnieces. And, always had a kind, thoughtful lesson to teach both generations.

There wasn't a person around who, after meeting Tom, didn't recognize him as one of the gentlest souls they had ever encountered. Tom never had an unkind word for anyone and saw the good in everyone he met. Besides his family and teaching, Tom's passion was dancing. There wasn't a rug he didn't want to cut! He was known for always bringing his dancing shoes to an event to change into once the music started. He would also head out to the dance halls throughout Chicago to dance many a night away!

Tom cherished his Irish heritage. As a first-generation Irish-American, his ties to Ireland were as strong as oak. Maintaining his connection to his family "across the pond" was incredibly important to him. Back in Ireland, he was known as "Tom the Yank"; he visited often, always focusing on his family there, keeping the bond strong. He enjoyed a good night at the pub as long as there was good song and dance during his visits.

It was never about him. Tom was always interested in your story. Happy to hear the tales and jokes from those he shared time with.

Tom was a true gem and the world will miss his gentle and kind spirit.

Visitation is Saturday, February 28, 9am, Immaculate Conception Church, 1431 North Park Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610. Funeral to follow at 11am at Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL, at a later date.

In place of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations in Tom's name to the Alzheimer's Association, 800.272.3900, https://www.alz.org