Thomas D Lynch

Thomas Daniel Lynch, age 86, entered eternal life on August 14, 2025. He passed away peacefully, surrounded in prayer and by a multitude of family and friends who loved him dearly. Tom was a devoted husband, a loving and admired father and father-in-law, and a cherished Papa to 14 grandchildren. He lived a life rooted in faith, family, loyalty, and laughter. Born at St. Anne's Hospital in Chicago, Tom was the third child of Daniel and Grace (Cleary) Lynch. Raised on the west side of Chicago he was a proud LaFollette Park "Stomper". He attended St. Peter Canisius Grade School and DePaul Academy, spent a year at Loras College, and ultimately earned a degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University-a school and community he would cherish for life. While working full time and raising a family, Tom earned an MBA from Loyola University. Tom began his professional career at People's Gas Company, then worked for ITT and the John G. Twist Company. In the late 1980s, he and his close friend John Janik co-founded Circuit Sales, building a successful business from the ground up. In 1968, Tom and his beloved wife, the late Bernadette (O'Malley) Lynch, settled in Niles, Illinois, to raise their growing family. They built a home on Chester Avenue in 1974-only to discover they'd already outgrown it when their fifth child arrived soon after. Tom often joked that his three sons sharing one bedroom just brought them closer. Tom was the last surviving member of the "O'Malley Outlaws," a playful title worn with pride. Known for his boundless kindness, he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He had an infectious sense of humor, a knack for storytelling, and a gift for making everyone around him feel seen and loved. A proud Marquette Warrior, Tom's love for his alma mater ran deep. His 3 sons-and a daughter-in-law-also graduated from Marquette, continuing a family tradition now passed to his grandson Brendan, who will be a freshman this fall. One of Tom's fondest memories was the 1977 NCAA Championship-he and the family made a special trip to Milwaukee to buy matching Marquette t-shirts, proudly worn by all. Tom Lynch was a Chicago Bears season ticket holder for decades including the early days at Wrigley Field. Home game days were long (and usually cold) and ended with a stop at Kelly's Bar on Webster. Tom was a die-hard Cubs fan, until he wasn't. That would depend on whether they won or lost. With one swing of the bat, the worst player (his words) became a hero. A Cubs game usually meant an early exit (to beat the crowd), even if it meant leaving Kerry Wood's 20 strikeout masterpiece. Tom is now reunited with his beloved Bernadette, whom he lost in 2012. He is survived by his five children and their families Suzanne (Patrick) Driscoll and daughters Mary, Megan, and Brigid Joanne (David) Rancich and children Margaret, Daniel (Lianna Goldstein), Thomas, and Elizabeth Timothy (Nicole) Lynch and children Madigan, Timmy, Kaitlin, and Grace Thomas K. Lynch Kevin (Rebecca) Lynch and children Brendan, Colin, and Piper He is also survived by his loving sister, Rosemary Mahoney, many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and his dear friend and companion, Kathy Fahey. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother James (late Patricia Diedrich), his brother-in-law Denis Mahoney, and many beloved members of the O'Malley family. Tom Lynch lived with humility, joy, and a heart wide open to others. His memory will live on in every story retold, every laugh shared, and every Marquette game cheered from afar. He was, and always will be, deeply loved. Visitation will be at St. Julianna Church ( 7201 N Oketo ave) on Monday, August 18, 2025 from 10:00am-11:00am, followed by 11:00am Mass. Internment immediately following at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Families Helping Families, Naperville

https://fhf.care/