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FUNERAL HOME
15801 S. Cottage Grove Avenue
Dolton, Illinois
Thomas Janusz Obituary
Thomas M. Janusz, Sr., age 78, late of South Holland and Marco Island, FL, formerly of Dolton and Chicago's Avalon Park/Grand Crossing's "Pennytown" neighborhood. Dearly beloved husband and best friend for 57 years of Betty Lou (nee Janke); devoted and extraordinary father of Thomas M. Janusz, Jr. and Lynn Ann Janusz; proud seventh son of the late Thomas and Mary (nee Postrozny) Janusz; cherished son-in-law of the late Louis A. and Bettie (nee Maras) Janke. Preceded in death by his loving brothers: the late Stanley, Edward, Alexander "Alex", Chester, Julius and John Janusz, Sgt. C.P.D.; dear brother-in-law of Elaine (late Robert) Costello; kind uncle and great-uncle of many nieces and nephews; wonderful cousin and loyal friend of many; dearest best and loyal friend of the late Robert (late Sandra) Devine; courageous man of faith. Loving Master of "Keiko", "Hector", "Mr. Meowski", "Snowball" and "Persha". Thomas was founder and owner of THORNRIDGE FUNERAL HOMES, LTD, Inc. in Dolton/ South Holland and Orland Park for over 40 years. Tom not only built it, he practically built it brick by brick. Truly a self made business man. A Quintessential "Rags-to-Riches" entrepreneur, at its finest. Tom not only had good mentors, he became an exemplary mentor and example to many funeral directors, colleagues, and associates. A Licensed Funeral Director with 53 years of dedicated service. 4th Degree Knight of Columbus Genoa Council #1659. Past President of St. Jude the Apostle Holy Name Society. Past President of St. Jude the Apostle Athletic Board. Lifetime member of Mt. Carmel Alumni Father's Club. As an active member of St. Jude the Apostle Church and the local community, Tom honorably volunteered for many memorable church and social functions. Visitation Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 2:00 until 9:00 p.m. at HIS Orland Park funeral home, 14318 S. LaGrange Rd. (Northbound traffic: U-turn permitted at 143rd St.). Second night of visitation Friday from 2:00 until 9:00 p.m. at HIS Dolton/South Holland funeral home, 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave. (four blocks North of 162 St./ Rt. 6). Funeral Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. from HIS Dolton funeral home, 15801 S. Cottage Grove Ave., (four blocks North of 162nd St./Rt. 6) Dolton/South Holland to St. Jude the Apostle Church for Mass at 10:45 a.m. with Rev. John P. Boivin, officiating. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude the Apostle Church, St. Jude's Children's Hospital and/or St. Vincent De Paul Society- Chicago, IL 60661 appreciated. 708-460-2300, 708-841-2300 or: www.thornridgefuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Janusz
Sponsored by Janusz Family.
Remember Tom with laughter rather than sadness.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Tom was a loving and devoted husband and father.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Thomas M. Janusz Sr. with the late Cardinal Joseph Bernardin in 1984.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Tom & Betty Lou enjoyed many church & social functions.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Tom graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1959. He was a licensed funeral director for 53 years.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Tom & Betty Lou were married for 57 years.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Tom was shaped by the events of his childhood. He believed in duty, honor, family, loyalty, and hard work.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Grand Crossing was a close community where people watched out for each other, and there were many kindnesses and many friendships.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
Tom was the seventh son of Polish immigrants, born three days after his father passed away.
Lynn Janusz
January 2, 2014
December 20, 2013
tom is going to be miss ed micelli
Jenny Janutis-Gabbard
December 20, 2013
Betty Lou, Tom and Lynn
I'm very sorry for your lost. You and your family were a great help with my parents.
Nick and Diane Kapsalis
December 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathy the to all the family. May Tom rest in peace.
Sister Paulette Misericordia
December 15, 2013
Our sympathy and special prayers for Tom and his family. Misericordia has lost great friend.
Janet Staib
December 15, 2013
Dar Betty Lou, Tom & Lynn
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Tom was a great friend to so many in the Grand Crossing area. My Mom (Lou Briscoe) loved visiting him and you at Stan & Donna's during the holidays. We will keep you in our prayers & masses. Tom RIP you are in good hands with all your buddies watching over all of us.
Janet(Briscoe)& John Staib
Cassopolis, Mi & Zolfo Springs, Fl.
December 14, 2013
Dear Betty Lou and family,
Our prayers are with all of you at this sad time. Tom was a great guy and such a special friend to Bob and Sandy.
All blessings, Larry and Jackie Patton (Sandy's sister)
December 13, 2013
I was deeply saddened to hear of "Uncle Tom's" passing. I babysat for Lynn and Tom while they got the business going. Very sweet, kind, and giving. I will always cherish my memories of the " early" days. A gentleman and a terrific cook...pizza!
Linda Canavan-Sytsma
December 13, 2013
Dear Betty Lou, Lynn and Tommy,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Tom. What a great man, husband, father and friend to so many! He was a man full of kindness and compassion and a heart filled with goodness bigger than life. Always helping others. It was fun working with him in the pizza tent at St. Jude Fest and at other functions…What an amazing guy! We have lost a special man but heaven has gained a new saint. I'm sure my dad and all the other birthday boys gone before were waiting at the gates to welcome him home!!! Love and prayers to all of you.
Vito Dicosola
December 13, 2013
Tom was a down to earth guy RIP.
lisa devine
December 13, 2013
aunt betty lou tommy and lynn,my deepest sympathy to you..uncle tom will be missed a lot….im sure he is with my dad and mom …i remember all the fun get togethers and great dinners …all the stories that uncle tom and my dad did ….unlcle tom was one of a kind….great person,family man,and godfather etc love lisa devine
Aldo Marin
December 13, 2013
Our Sympathy to the Entire Janusz Family, His dedication to Our profession will be greatly missed. May you find peace and comfort.
Sincerely
Aldo Marin
Marin Funeral Home
Chicago, IL.
Rowena Langston-Langston Memorial Services
December 13, 2013
I am deeply saddened at the loss of our Respected Pioneer in the Funeral Profession. A wonderful Legacy has been left and will not be forgotten.
Holly Duffy
December 13, 2013
Condolences to the entire family. Tom was a friend to everyone he met.
JIM BURNS
December 13, 2013
Betty Lou, I was so sad to see that Tom had passed away. He was certainly a very distinguished and well-respected funeral director. I have great memories of being with you and Tom at The Oakland Memory Lane Christmas parties. I also have great memories of you and I attending Worsham College of Mortuary Science together. I woud certainly be at the funeral home to give you a big hug, but I am hoe recuperating from foot reconstruction surgery. God bless Tom and you and your family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely yours,
JIM BURNS
BURNS FUNERAL HOME
HOBART & CROWN POINT
December 12, 2013
Bettylou and Lynn,
we were saddened to read that your husband and father has passed away.
we know you always spoke so highly of him when you were in my office. he
set the bar high for all to follow.
our deepest sympathies.
Dr Gary Nordbrock
and Linda
Gary Poynter
December 12, 2013
We will miss you cousin.
Gary & Cynthia Poynter
Ollie Gajewski
December 12, 2013
To the Janusz family, I worked as a chauffeur and mortuary associate for area funeral homes. I had many great opportunities to work with Mr. Janusz on various occasions. He was the finest in funeral service. The funeral service industry lost a great man. Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of Mr. Janusz, a true friend to myself and all who knew him.
The Staff of Thornridge Funeral Home
December 13, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Marc and Meredith Silver
December 12, 2013
For the Janusz family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Through Stan and Donna we saw how much he was loved and know he will be missed.
With sympathy, Meredith and Marc Silver
Donald Leib
December 11, 2013
To the entire Janusz family. My sincere utmost condolences go out to a great man who gave me the privilege of working for him and teaching me many things in the funeral business. I have always respected this man for his success going from nothing to a man well respected for everything he has done throughout his life. His family and community will miss this man dearly, no one will ever be able to replace such a great man who touched many people and families he served throughout his lifetime. May God bless him and his entire family in this difficult time for them. May he rest in peace.
Susan Raeck Bigos
December 11, 2013
My condolences to the Janusz family. Tom was a wonderful neighbor and a rock in our time of need. God bless him and his family.
Louise Knable-mitten
December 11, 2013
I think of Uncle Tommy Janusz as a happy, warm and friendly all my life. He always remembered which family I belonged too, I am one of the youngest in many. My Uncle Edward was his brother. My love and prays go out to Uncle Tommy's family and to my cousin Larry Janusz.
Wayne General
December 11, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Janusz family. Thomas Sr. put up a valiant struggle to tenaciously hold onto life but can now rest--he has been called Home. Albeit I never had the opportunity to meet Thomas Sr. he must have been a fine man as he raised a fine son whom I know personally. God Bless.
Susan Kubiszak
December 11, 2013
Dear Betty & Family.. my prayers are with you. we lost a kind and generous man. He as well as your family always showed so much love and compassion. Plus all the time and energy he gave to St. Jude. If there was a doing there was Tom. God must have needed a person to help and He got a great man.
Love Susan
Denise Jansma
December 11, 2013
Betty, Tom and Lynn,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved husband and Dad. Tom always went the extra mile when our family needed his services throughout the years. His kindness, compassion and delightful humor will be greatly missed. I am keeping you close in prayer and ask our Lord to keep you wrapped tightly in His loving arms.
Denise Jansma and family
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
December 11, 2013
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Tom will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 22 DEC, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
December 11, 2013
RAY&RITA BUCHANAN IN ARIZONA SEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO BETTYLOU AND FAMILY.FOR YEARS WE HAD THE BEST TIMES OF OUR LIFE WITH TOM AND THE DOLTON GANG.WE WILL NEVER FORGET TOM.
laurie Schuerman
December 11, 2013
Aunt Betty Lou, Tommy and Lynn,
Sending our love to all of you today and always. How blessed we are for all the great family memories we have of Uncle Tom and his smile, laugh and beautiful spirit. His love and generosity were a true gift.
Elaine, Kevin, Laurie and Family
Lucinda General
December 11, 2013
My hope is that Tom is truly at rest with God. I want to especially express my heartfelt sympathy to Tom Jr. for the loss of his dear father. Peace be with each of you.
Rich Della Croce
December 11, 2013
My deepest condolences to Tom's family. I knew this fine Catholic man personally and professionally. He was a kind and generous soul and I was privileged to know him for many years, and share his frienship and wisdom. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. God Bless Betty, Tommy, and Lynn,his loving family always.
Nancy Collins
December 11, 2013
My condolences to the Janusz family.
December 10, 2013
Tom was a friend since I met him in 1966 at Sheehy's on 83rd Street. It was always a joy to have him call me here in North Dakota after all these years of friendship. We enjoyed, over the years, talking about old times. I will miss his calls. Dale G. Niewoehner
The Staff of Thornridge Funeral Home
December 11, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Joanne Baker Rupprecht
December 10, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of this news - my prayers are with the Janusz family. Mr. Janusz was a charitable man and freely gave of his time, talent and treasures to St. Jude and its community. My parents (John and Bonnie) thought highly of him - I'm sure he was greeted not only by them, but by many, with the same love and compassion he freely shared during his life.
Grace Swanchak
December 10, 2013
Betty Lou and Family,
Will miss seeing Tom at the Somerset. Hope to see you Betty this yearl
Lois Teague
December 10, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the Janusz family
chuck ruggiero
December 10, 2013
Our prayers go out to the januz family. In times of our berevement Tom made it a little easier. May his kindness luve on.
Melissa Krenkel
December 10, 2013
Lynn and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was such a wonderful man. I was truly blessed to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pat and Dave Thompson
December 10, 2013
Our love and prayers to the Janusz family. We have many fond memories of Tom from St. Jude and he and his family comforted us through many loses. He will be missed greatly.
Gay Nylen
December 10, 2013
Tommy was an old family friend of ours (The Musachio family) for as long as I can remember. A very sweet man whom I will always remember. God bless him.
My sincere condolences to the Janusz family.
Sue James
December 10, 2013
Sincere condolences to the Janusz family.
Tom was a wonderful person, and a great man. You will truly be missed.
P.S.... Thanks for babysitting me when I was a little kid... I knew I was in good hands then....
Vicki Perkowski Wayne
December 10, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Janusz was a great man...I will always remember all he did for the St. Jude family. Peace and prayers be with you all...
Al Kandziorski
December 10, 2013
Deepest sympathies to the entire Janusz family.Many times Tom and his family have helped us through times of grief.He was always a gentlemen.He will be greatly missed.
Jim Galen
December 10, 2013
The entire Janusz family is in my thoughts and prayers. Growing up on Dobson Avenue I remember Mr. Janusz as one of many fathers who was always kind to the kids on the block. He also dressed up as Santa Claus and delivered Christmas stockings to the neighborhood kids. Godspeed Mr. Janusz!
mary Gutierrez
December 10, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a wonderful person with a strong faith in God. He was alway kind, humble, and willing to lend a hand. My prayers and condolences are offered to his family.
Cindy James
December 10, 2013
My sincerest sympathies to Mrs. Janusz and the family. "Tommy" was a great old friend of our family, caring for my family members at the time of our losses and even having babysat for my sister... way back in the day. You will be missed Mr. Janusz. My prayers for you and your family.
Alison Lindemann
December 10, 2013
Thanks so much for letting us know Lynn. I am so very sorry to hear this news. Your dad had a special place in our family. Such great memories growing up. A bigger than life, generous and fun loving man. You, Tommy and your mom will be in our prayers.
December 9, 2013
Tom was a wonderful man and totally professional! He will be sorely missed. Tim Gill
Michelle Harrison
December 9, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Janusz family. Lynn if it wasn't for you and your caring family I would've never known the respect, care and satisfaction that goes with being a funeral director. Your family will always hold a special place in my heart.
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Thornridge Funeral Home - Dolton (Janusz Family Funeral Service)15801 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419
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