Thomas Patrick "Tom" Hynes Sr.

Thomas Patrick Hynes Sr., lovingly known as Tom, passed away peacefully on January 24th, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Tom quickly discovered a passion for music that never faltered. He carried that passion across the country, finally landing in Kentucky, where he dedicated his life to giving the gift of music to hundreds of students until his final days. He was a one-man tour that never took an off-day.
From an early age, it was clear Tom had no choice but to follow a song, leading to a remarkable career as both a performer and a teacher. He dazzled audiences in the burgeoning Jazz scene of Wisconsin, where he developed life-long friendships and proved himself on-stage with legends of the genre. If you knew Jazz, you knew Tom Hynes could play.
As Tom's focus shifted to arranging and composing, he also discovered a deep love of teaching. He then spent 30 years in Kentucky, creating a lasting community of music lovers one lesson at a time.
The most important composition in Tom's life was his family. With his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Rilla, and three children, Thomas, Janelle, and Janette, he composed a lifetime of shared moments and melodies. Together, they created a home where music was found around every corner, with saxophone reeds leveling tables and clarinet cork patching leaks.
Tom's life was one of continuous discovery, learning, and growth. Like all the best Jazz musicians, he understood that life is full of improvisation-and no one could improvise like him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Rilla Hynes; his three children, Thomas Hynes, Janelle Goss, and Janette Watkins; his brothers, Pat Hynes, Mike Hynes, and John Hynes; his sister, Jenny Sullivan; and his mother, Jean Hynes.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas F. Hynes.
A memorial service to celebrate Tom's life will be held on January 31st at Ratterman Brothers East Louisville Funeral Home (12900 Shelbyville Road).Visitation will begin at 2:00pm, with a memorial service to follow at 4:00pm that will be open to all who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Children's Music Fund.
"Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise." – George Gershwin.