Thomas A. Smith

Thomas A. Smith obituary, Chicago, IL

Thomas A. Smith

Thomas Smith Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by The Original Rago Brothers Funeral Home - Northwest Location -Norridge Chap on Apr. 12, 2024.

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Thomas (Tom) A Smith age 61, passed away suddenly on April 8, 2024. Beloved son of the late Charles Smith (2007) and devoted son of Grace Smith (Flentye) Tom is survived by siblings Chuck (Sandy), Bob (Laurie)Michael (Robin) Annie Klimczak(the late Matt), Kathy and the "little sister" and dear friend he took under his wing Lisa P. He was a respectful, devout nephew, fond uncle to his nieces and nephews, like a brother to his dear cousins. and a loyal friend to many. He touched countless lives by his presence and kindness in and around their lives.
Tom was baptized, received first communion, and confirmed at Our Lady of Grace Church in Chicago. He carried the teaching of his Catholic education throughout his life by his countless actions of giving to others devoting his time to taking care of his mother Grace. His moral compass and good deeds were a reflection of his Christian beliefs.
He enjoyed classic rock music, supporting his favorite teams Chicago Cubs/Bears/Bulls, extending a helping hand to all his neighbors, carrying on his Pops tradition of preparing holiday meals for family and friends to gather. Tom was kind to a fault, always caring for others especially his mother, sister Kathy and his dog Pretty. He will be remembered for his love of family, always being a peace maker, the respect and homage he paid to the lesson learned from his elders, his kindness, his free spirit, laid back attitude, his infallible loyalty to his friends and his endless love for his dogs. Last but not least Harley Davidson and Rock N Roll! Remembering one of his favorite all time bands, the Beatles, Paul McCartney classic piano song written as the group was breaking up:
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Although we are broken-hearted, we must accept the monumental change in our life, the loss of Tom which was far too soon. We call upon the hope expressed "Let It Be", our faith in the belief of everlasting life. Remind ourselves our souls our connected for eternity. There is light at the end and we will all be joined at the banquet in heaven. May we find peace knowing that Tommy will be greeted in heaven by his faithful dog Gabba and without a doubt, fishing poles in hand Pops Chuck and brother-in-law Matt.
We would like to think that Mondays' eclipse can be an expression of Tommy's passing from a beautiful bright life to another beautiful bright life. With the celestial celebration that marked Monday, we can believe the heavens truly opened to welcome Tommy. How extraordinary - just like him.

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Sign Thomas Smith's Guest Book

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July 1, 2025

Kathleen Smith posted to the memorial.

June 29, 2025

Joe Kaberlein posted to the memorial.

June 10, 2025

Sis posted to the memorial.

Kathleen Smith

July 1, 2025

Well, here we go again it's the 4th of July and we miss you so much. We all share good memories we have with you. Cookie made rice and beans that she knew you loved. The neighbors have all been great except the one and we all miss you a lot. I'd do anything to have you back, I miss you my brother, I love you.

Joe Kaberlein

June 29, 2025

Smith family, I just happened upon this and am so sorry for your loss. This is Joe Kaberlein. I knew all of you. I was one of Smitty's best friends throughout our time at Our Lady of Grace. We spent a ton of time together. We were alter boy partners serving many weddings and funerals together as well. We did a neat science project together in 8th grade. We went to different high schools and then didn't hang together as often but did keep in touch. We more or less just drifted apart when I went to Wisconsin for college and ended up there. Tom did come visit me once in the dorms and yes, we really turned it up a notch. I took Tom with to our vacation house in northern Wisconsin to fish. Tom and I also attended Camp Ondessonk multiple times back in our grade school years. Your parents were always very nice to me. When they dropped us off at the bus to go to that camp, I'll always remember your mom giving me a kiss goodbye. My mom never did that. I bowled in the same league as your dad a couple of seasons at Maple Lanes.

I am sad seeing Tom's picture and thinking back to our friendship knowing a simple phone call could have kept it going. Tom was a great friend back at OLG and I'll always remember that friendship.

Sorry to hear about your parents as well. They were great people.

RIP Smitty!

God Bless.

Sis

June 10, 2025

Hello Tom, time for another birthday spent without you, your family and friends really miss you. The winter with you going out and helping all these people that could not figure how to drive in Chicago in the winter. You never hesitated, even when they didn't even thank you, but that's what you did, just because. I thought after a year would be easier, but it's not. I will go on and put my heart will hurt forever because I miss you so much and Mom. I can't believe you both left me at the same time, but I'm glad you were there to help Mom as always.I love you so much and I (we) all the neighborhood miss you so much. I made it through this year cuz I felt like you were standing behind me. But the pain doesn't stop I love you....

Sis

April 24, 2025

Well Tom it's the start of summer again, I still don't believe everything that has happened. I still miss you so much, and there's other people that just still don't believe it. Just want you to know I'm taking care of everything I love you and I miss you so much! You're my guardian angel now, I hope you hear me and know that how much I love you and Mom and Dad are together now. I just want you to know I love you so much and we miss you.... Your great niece is beautiful, I no she's got many guardian angels. We all love you and miss you so much the neighbors the relatives and the friends are all still shaking their heads. But now I have to move forward and I hope someday my heart will stop hurting so much. I'll make you proud, I know family with everything to you...

Kathleen Smith

February 14, 2025

Well, I guess I won't be buying chocolate covered cherries this year for your Valentine's or mom's lindt chocolate. Can't believe we're approaching a year and I still don't understand what happened. I want you to know I miss you so much, you were my best friend besides mom. I'm glad mom and dad got to spend their anniversary together. I miss you so much. I don't cry all day but I do cry everyday cuz I don't understand but I'm taking care of the puppy/pretty cuz I know that's what you'd want and she has been comfort to my aching heart.

Jan Robertson

February 14, 2025

Happy Valentine's Day Tommy! You are surely missed by all, but know that you are in heaven with mom & dad!!

Your sister forever Kathy

December 18, 2024

I miss you so much brother, these last 5 weeks we would have been working on Christmas and Thanksgiving and we always did it together. And hanging the Christmas Village I just want you to know I miss you so much and the holidays will never be the same. I'm so glad we fixed all those dinners together so we have so many great memories. You will be greatly missed on Christmas Eve not just for your wonderful cooking but for your smiling face and happiness you felt when the whole family was together. I hope you're taking care of Mom, well I know you're taking care of Mom. Give dad and mom a kiss from me. You are always in my heart and I'm taking care of the dog. I miss you so much

Jan Robertson

June 13, 2024

I am so deeply sorry that we didnt know about Tommy's passing. Losing a brother is very painful, as I have now lost 2. Tommy was an "even keel" guy. Our families have known each other since we were littles and our mom's were best friends. I sure hope Johnny is welcoming Tommy into heaven and they are "kicking up the dust"!! Jan & Wayne Robertson & Vince LaRocca

Kathleen Smith

May 26, 2024

Well Tom, it's the first weekend of the summer and your presence is surely missed. This was always our favorite time of the year, you and your grilling and you and your bacon wrapped jalapenos that everybody loved, you were summer! many people have come up to me and told me how much they still miss you and things will never be the same. They miss you at their parties, and most importantly they miss you as the friend they always look forward to seeing.. I miss you so much and I truly hope you know how much you were loved by so so many people! I miss you so much but Mom's doing better and I'm sure you're helping with that I love you my brother and I miss you so much my friend you're the best

Kathleen Smith

April 20, 2024

Well Tom, I guess you and I won't be hanging out anymore. You are my best friend, I could always count on you to help me with whatever I needed. And it was nice that we've become so close you could talk to me too. Thank you for all the love you showed my family, even when it was difficult to do so and you held my hand and guided me just like Daddy would do with honesty, hope and family love, and maybe a shot once in awhile. I'm so happy how people have honored you, you deserve every bit! Your music will definitely live on in many many hearts as well as your love. Pretty is laying right here by my side and I will be sure that's where she stays, I love you and I miss you so much you're the best brother and a great son!! Mom will be okay, just pick her up like you always did, she loved her baby boy but she's doing well and I'll take care of her. As much as I don't want to, I guess I Need to Say Goodbye. I will forever have a hole in my heart. Love you Tom

Tina Lowe

April 18, 2024

Tommy was loved by so many. He was always so easy going. So very easy to talk to. He always knew the right things to say and definitely the right music to play. Loved him even more because He was such a good uncle to my
Son, Nicholas. He will be missed. I'm so Sorry you won't be able to meet your new niece. May you rest in peace. Now we have another angel watching over us. Prayers for the family.. What deepest sympathyTina Lowe

Dan Lancaster

April 16, 2024

I only knew Tom, or as I was introduced to him, Smitty, for a short while around 15-20 years ago. We worked together doing a few handyman jobs. He was an expert working with his hands and taught me skills that made me exponentially better at tile work and home repair, which I still use to this day.
Smitty also had amazing taste in music. It was because of him that I bought my first Rage Against The Machine album (on the way home from his house after hearing it in his truck).
And I will forever be reminded of him whenever I see a Grateful Dead license plate frame saying "Have a grateful day!"
My condolences go out to everybody who knew him... because anybody who knew Smitty was definitely impacted by him in some way. What a great guy!

Lisa smith

April 12, 2024

All I can say unk/ godfather is I love you ...I cant believe your gone , I cant eat Cuban sandwiches any more because I'll feel bad your not having one toooo.. I gonna miss you

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Sign Thomas Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 1, 2025

Kathleen Smith posted to the memorial.

June 29, 2025

Joe Kaberlein posted to the memorial.

June 10, 2025

Sis posted to the memorial.