Search by Name

Search by Name

Thomas Dilley

1953 - 2022

Thomas Dilley obituary, 1953-2022, Grand Rapids, MI

Thomas Dilley Obituary

Dilley, Thomas 6/11/1953 - 9/26/2022 Thomas R. Dilley escaped the mortal realm on Monday, September 26, 2022, at Blodgett Hospital at the golden age of 69. Doctors say this was due to complications from diabetes, but those who loved him know it was to escape this place before the next presidential primary candidates are announced. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Frances Dilley and his parents-in-law, Charles and Loretta Cooper. He is survived by his deeply devoted wife of 40 years, Debra Dilley, and daughter Sarah Dilley. Sisters, Kathryn Dilley and Diane (Jeff) Scarpelli. Sister-in-law and Brother-in-Law, Carol (Paul) LaPorte, brother-in-law John (Toni) Cooper, and cousins Fred (Beth) Dilley, and Marcia (Peter) Allen, along with many relatives and friends. Tom was also preceded in death by his dear pug, Cosmo, and grand-pugs Herbert and Wilbur. Tom attended Ottawa Hills High School, then making his way to the University of Michigan, graduating with a degree in Pre-Modern Asian History. He finished his law degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and thereafter started as a fourth generation Dilley lawyer, practicing law with family at Dilley & Dilley then later Dilley, Kooistra, Goller & Reens, for 35 years until his retirement in 2015. Tom was a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission, Trustee of the Grand Rapids Historical Society and of the member and chairman of Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation. He sat on the Board of Trustees for the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and was a chairman of the GR Public Museum Collections Committee. In addition to being the go-to guy for everything Grand Rapids, he authored 4 books on Grand Rapids History, including his favorite, titled "The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids Michigan". Tom lived such a passionate, ambition-filled, accomplished life which will be celebrated in the Spring of 2023 in way of a celebration of life barbeque to coincide with what would have been his 70th birthday. Any contributions can be made to the Grand Rapids Historical Society or through paying it forward to your community in any way you see fit.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dilley

Sponsored by The Family.

Not sure what to say?





Daniel

April 5, 2023

I just had "The Art of Memory" recommended to me. I feel like I'm taking a tour with an old friend. How can a book about cemeteries have such humor in it? My condolences for your loss and it's going to be a great regret of mine that I never had to opportunity to meet this person.

Robert L Saas

March 10, 2023

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your lose. I discovered Tom's passing in the spring issue of Nebraska Quarterly. I lived next door to Tom in Selleck Dorm my first year of graduate school at UNL. Tom was a Great friend, I remember him telling stories about his father's law firm and President Jerry Ford being a partner. I can still hear him singing the Michigan fight song as he walked through Selleck Quad. late at night.
M-go-Blue Tom !

Bob Saas

Beanca Zwarensteyn

October 26, 2022

Our deepest condolences to the Dilley Family on the passing of Tom Dilley. Tom served as a trusted advisor, mentor and supporter of the Friends of Greenwood Cemetery, and we appreciated it very much. He left a great legacy with the writing of his book, "The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids Michigan." Also, the Community loved his historic cemetery tours. He will be missed.

Yvonne Sydloski

October 10, 2022

My sincere sympathy to you Debbie and your daughter. Having lost my husband of 58 years in June I truly know your pain. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen Auwers

October 8, 2022

We often saw Tom walking around the block. A cigar, smile and a friendly wave. His intelligence, insight, and laugh were unmistakable, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Sending love.

Sarah Dilley

October 6, 2022

I am Tom daughter Sarah. To read his full obituary please visit : https://www.metcalfandjonkhoff.com/obituary/Thomas-Dilley

Thank you to everyone who has shared memories. It warms our hearts to hear his impact.

Rhonda Jewell

October 4, 2022

I knew Tom since we were both kids. He lived down the street from me and we ended up at our first job together, Hot Shoppes Cafeteria in Woodland Mall. So sad to hear about his passing, he will be missed!

Joe Sulak

October 4, 2022

Tom was generous with his time and especially with his knowledge of the Grand Rapids Cemeteries. I was fortunate to call him a friend and colleague. He will be missed.

Debra Ensing Heinzelman

October 4, 2022

Tom was a very fine gentleman and honorable attorney. He brightened every courtroom. He will be missed. As a retired Court Reporter I so enjoyed his Friday morning motions!

Cheryl Hoogerhyde

October 4, 2022

Tom helped me, years ago - no questions asked, just available and caring. I am so sorry.

Mary Kathryn Kelly

October 4, 2022

I always hoped Tom would be in the same courtrooms I was in on Friday motion mornings, as his arguments never failed to enlighten and entertain. With his legendary rapier wit, his eloquence, and his firm grasp of relevant law, Tom would captivate those of us who were spared pangs of envy only because he was such a kind and generous soul. It was a privilege to know him, and I wish his family and many friends comfort and peace in your precious memories.

Mark Ruedy

October 4, 2022

He was such a nice man. Met him when I was working at the GRPM during the exhibit on the local artist Reynard Widnaur(sp). He will be missed.

Jeff Sytsma

October 4, 2022

Tom became a sort of mentor to me when I was first joined the local history community. I'll miss his stories at our Board meetings. I'll treasure his advice. We all mourn this loss.

Gina Bivins

October 4, 2022

I want to thank Debra and Sarah for sharing Tom with the community all these years. There is a hole that is going to be impossible to fill. But we will try, in his memory.

Steph R.

October 3, 2022

My heart hurts for you Debbie. It was a pleasure getting to know you and Tom. I loved sharing puggie stories. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and Sarah.

Joy Klawiter

October 3, 2022

My sincere condolences on the loss of your family member. He sounds like he was an amazing man. I stumbled across his obituary while searching for my uncle's obituary and happened to read the first few lines-which made me laugh heartily for his timely escape! Indeed! I think I would have enjoyed his company! And again, my deepest condolences.

Chris Kaupa

October 3, 2022

You were a pleasure to know and learn from. You will be missed at meetings. Your book is now closed. R.I P Tom

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Dilley's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Dilley

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service

4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Dilley's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more