Tom Modrowski

1956 - 2024

Modrowski, Tom

September 5, 1956 - March 18, 2024

Tom "Moe" Modrowski, of St. John, IN, passed away unexpectedly on March 18, 2024, at the age of 67, leaving a void in the hearts of everyone who knew him.  Loving husband of Kimberly A. Modrowski, nee Rath. Devoted father of Kristin (Frank) Kantroski, Kellee (Chris) Wyzgowski and Katye (Sean) McDonald. Proud papa of Mila, Harry, Dutch Kantroski, Nina, Frannie, Max, Beau Wyzgowski, Lucy, Gwen and Tommy McDonald.  Dear brother of Carol (Dr. Henry) Hadidian, Jim (Kristy) Modrowski, Dr. Robert (Laura) Modrowski, Sherri (Mike) Abinanti, Dave (Patty) Modrowski and the late Pam Modrowski.  Cherished uncle of numerous nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his parents Art and Anne Modrowski.

 

While the business world will remember Tom as an operational mastermind in steel making and metals processing, his family will remember him as the best husband, father and "Papa" there ever was.  Born to Art and Anne Modrowski in East Chicago, IN, Tom was the sixth of seven children.  He was proud of his Catholic, Croatian-Polish family and spoke with great admiration of his upbringing on White Oak Ave in Roxanna.  He attended East Chicago Roosevelt High School, and went on to Wabash College where he played football and baseball on an athletic scholarship, majored in mathematics and formed lifelong friendships that transcended time and space. It is here he would meet the love of his life, a girl from southern Indiana, named Kim, whom he affectionately called "Kimbo" or "Bobo".  Together they raised their family, while his career blossomed, and for 45 years they were inseparable.  

 

There is nothing he was more proud of than his three daughters and their families.  As a young father, he effortlessly embraced girl dad life.  He studied how to French braid hair, smoothed out bumps in ponytails, and painted nails.  He famously learned a pair of jeans cost more than $20, built jewelry boxes for Christmas gifts, and taught himself to play the piano to participate in recital duets.  He helped with math homework, coached all the sports teams and never missed an opportunity to chant "Girl Power!"  Despite all his career accomplishments, "Papa" was his greatest title and his 10 grandchildren were the light of his life.  You could usually find him eating a Dilly Bar by the pool, with a soaking wet child on his lap, while taking a conference call, organizing a wiffle ball game and thinking about making popcorn on the stove for a movie night sleepover. 

 

Tom's superpower was making you feel like the most important person in the room, and somehow he had time for everyone and everything.  He never missed a game, recital, or a play, a business meeting, a tee time, a dinner with friends, a vacation or a birthday party. He was the most patient, humble, selfless, kind and loving man, enamored only by all the wonderful people in his life.  

 

He will be remembered for his big group hugs, an uncanny ability to spread joy in all situations, and his love of pancakes, homemade bread and beef barley soup.  He was a great man with great friends and a great family.  He loved his life and everyone who was part of it. A steel giant. A Little Giant. A gentle giant. Rest in peace sweet husband, father, brother and friend. 

 

Rather than a traditional wake, join us to honor Tom's legacy with a celebration with friends and family on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Open house from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Innsbrook Country Club 6701 W. Taft St., Merrillville, IN 46410.  Everyone is welcome, children encouraged! Memorial visitation Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Tom's funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. John the Evangelist Day Chapel 11301 W. 93rd Ave., St. John, IN 46373, with Rev. Roque Meraz officiating.  

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Wabash College for the "Chick Clements Equipment Room." (https://www.wabash.edu/ecommerce/) Under "Use my gift to support" select "Other".  On the Giving Form under the "Comments and additional allocation" section please type in 100% toward Chick Clements Equipment Room.  

 

Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home – Dyer, IN.  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com