Thomas Hellman

Tom was born into this world on July 31, 1943, and quietly left on March 10, 2026. From the very beginning, he seemed to understand what matters most – the simple joys of a well-lived life.

For 56 years, he was a steady partner to his wife, Kaye. He was the proud father of Lee (TL) Ryan, Mollie (Charley) Grant, Thomas (Chaney) Hellman, Amanda (Rob) Mans and Adam Hellman and "Biggie" to Miles, Kathryn, George, Auggie, Bea, Lizzie, Maisie, Ike and Althea and faithful friend to Gibson.

Tom grew up in St. Louis leaving home – and his beloved dog, Sandy – to attend Campion High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and returning to become a "double Billiken" earning both his undergraduate and law degrees from Saint Louis University.

Though Tom was an attorney by education, the law was a small part of his layered life, and the real story of Big T can be best told through his passions. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, he anxiously awaited the reporting of pitchers and catchers each spring and instilled an unwavering loyalty to the Redbirds in all of his children. He loved being outdoors – sitting by the fire while camping and watching the sunset (or photographing it) was his happy place. Tom was always busy building something and, if missing, could often be found in his "workshop" wearing an old white undershirt and smelling of sawdust. Big T loved trains, Christmas, firetrucks, rhubarb pie and his many dogs, or as he preferred to call them, his "good friends". He played the banjo and his kids will never listen to "Froggy Went A-Courtin'" without thinking of him. He considered grease a condiment and was known to enjoy a St. Louis Slinger on more than one occasion. He was a super fan for all of his children and grandchildren spending countless hours watching (or coaching) games, recitals, meets and matches. He would never turn down an invitation to go see fireworks. Biggie was unassuming and kind to everyone.

We know that heaven has gained a well-prepared soul who now has an excellent vantage point to "keep abreast of the situation". Big T was a man of few words, but, in difficult times, he would remind us that "this too shall pass" to assure us that no hard day lasts forever. We know he would say the same to us now – though this one will be very hard.

Memorial Visitation, Saturday March 14th, 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Paul VI Parish (St. Mary's Church) 105 Herrick Road, Riverside, IL. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom's honor may be directed to Riverside Rocks, supporting Ann and Robert Lurie Children's Hospital.

Arrangements by Sullivan Funeral Home Hinsdale. 630-323-0275 or www.sullivanfuneralhomehinsdale.com