Thomas Matthew Hardman

Thomas Matthew Hardman, age 40, passed away on February 15, 2022.

Tom was born on February 22, 1981 to Daniel and Adele (Fabianski) Hardman in Berwyn, Illinois. After graduating from Benet Academy in 1999, he went on to study English Literature at the University of Illinois and received his Juris Doctor from Notre Dame Law School.

Tom was a career prosecutor. He began his vocation full-time in September 2007 as an Assistant States Attorney in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. During his eleven years in that office, he brought his deep devotion to justice, his quiet, steady support for his colleagues and his unique sense of humor to several divisions, including the Appellate, Traffic, Chief Judge, Felony Review, and Felony Prelims divisions. In June 2018, he joined the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office, serving as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Special Victims Unit. He was particularly passionate about pursuing justice for those who could not speak up for themselves, especially children, and he poured himself into his work without reservation into his mission.

In 2005, he met his wife, Belle, at Notre Dame and they wed in 2012. In 2019, their daughter, Esmé Josephine was born and it was clear to everyone that Esmé was the light of his life. He was incredibly proud of his smart, sassy, and strong-willed daughter and quick to share a recent picture, video, or anecdote with those around him. He was also a devoted dog dad to Foster.

Tom was beloved by those who knew him. In his unassuming way, he found opportunities to show his colleagues, friends, and family that he loved them and was always there to support them. Tom was passionate about music and enjoyed sharing meaningful songs and talented artists with his loved ones. He was a consummate foodie and enjoyed cooking, seeing it as a way to bring people together and be of service. He was also a lifelong fan of the Irish, the White Sox, the Bears, the Bulls, and the Blackhawks.

Tom was predeceased by his brother, Michael. He is survived by his wife and daughter, his mother and father, his brother James (Rebecca) and his nephews, Jack, Sam and Luke.

A gathering of family and friends will occur on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at McGann Hay University Chapel, 2313 E. Edison Rd., South Bend, Indiana 46615. The funeral mass will commence at 3:30 pm at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, 101 Basilica Drive, Notre Dame, IN 46556.

In lieu of flowers, please help us to honor Tom's memory by supporting some of the causes that he truly loved: Austin Harvest, c/o By The Hand Club For Kids, P.O. Box 10043 Chicago, IL 60610 or via https://bythehand.org/give/ and the C.A.S.I.E. Center, 533 N. Niles Ave, South Bend, 46617, Door 2 or via http://casiecenter.org/donate