Thomas James Aylward IV

About

Michigan State University University of Chicago

FUNERAL HOME

A Cremation Service of the Palm Beaches

1110 S. Federal Highway #1

Boynton Beach, Florida

Thomas Aylward Obituary

Thomas James Aylward IV, 76, of Boynton Beach, FL and previously New Canaan, CT, died peacefully at his home in Florida on May 6, 2020 following a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his two children and granddaughter at the time of his death.
Born in Highland Park, IL, he was the eldest son of Thomas J. Aylward III and Jean (Morrissey) Aylward, Tom was raised in St. Charles, IL and Marshall, MI. A three-sport letterman at Marshall High School, Tom went on to attend Michigan State University (Class of '66). There he earned spots on the freshman football and basketball teams and was elected president of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. After graduating with honors, he was accepted into IBM's executive training program prior to enlisting in the United States Army. Lieutenant Aylward served two tours of combat duty in Vietnam earning the bronze star for valor among additional meritorious citations.
Upon completion of military service, Tom attended The University of Chicago where he earned his MBA. He was hired by JP Morgan & Company in New York holding a number of executive positions over a 30 plus year career. His rise at JP Morgan included a post in Seoul, South Korea where he served as head of the Far East Division.
In 1970, while at The University of Chicago, he met and married Karen McKenna from San Jose, CA, who was then a flight attendant with United Airlines. Upon joining JP Morgan, The Aylwards moved to New York City and eventually settled in New Canaan, CT where they lived for more than 40 years. The Aylwards were long-time members of the New Canaan Country Club as well as serving on various charitable organizations including the Knights of Malta, Communion for the Homebound, and Norwalk Community College.
The Aylwards later established roots in Boynton Beach, FL to be closer to their children and granddaughter. There they enjoyed membership at The St. Andrew's Club and attended St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Tom served on The Board of Trustees of the Help Our Wounded Foundation (HOW) of South Florida and made Boynton Beach his permanent residence following Karen's death.
In addition to his faith, Tom was most passionate about his family, his country, and all things related to Michigan State. Possessing a severe case of color blindness, he had a penchant for wearing mismatched color schemes that prompted many jokes amongst his family and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Karen Aylward (d.2013). He is survived by his daughter Courtney Aylward, his son Thomas "Tucker", and his granddaughter Elizabeth "Lilly" Jean Aylward-Jahn, all of Boynton Beach, FL; his sisters Pamela (Aylward) Christianson of Southport, NC; Catherine (Aylward) Howard of Roseville, CA; Elizabeth (Aylward) Alexander of Spotsylvania, VA; and his brother Stephen of Malvern, PA.
Contributions may be made in his name to St. Aloysius Parish of New Canaan, CT, St. Thomas More Parish of Boynton Beach, FL, and the HOW Foundation of South Florida (Help Our Wounded).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Palm Beach Post from May 14 to May 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Aylward

Sponsored by A Cremation Service of the Palm Beaches.

14 Entries

Patricia Jean Andrade

October 9, 2025

So sorry to hear about your dad, but I know that he is at home with Karen. Courtney love to be there but I don't have funds in order to go there, so My husband and I will give our sincere thoughts and may God be with you.

Florence Murtha

May 14, 2025

My dearest elder friend, I miss you and was so glad to be with you, help you and anyway I could. Most importantly, I enjoyed your friendship and companionship. We lifted each of us together re `our serious shared concerns re our loved grown children´. I miss you Tom. See you soon. Your friend, Florence

Bonnie Regole - St. Charles, Il

July 14, 2021

Did not know Tom, but did know his parents. If Tom was half what his parents were then heaven has gained a wonderful angel. It has been a year but please accept my most sincere sympathy at the loss of your father, grandfather, brother and uncle. May he Rest In Peace.

Florence E Murtha

May 28, 2020

My dearest Tom, I miss you so much, my wonderful friend. You have been here for me the last four years, since God sent you into my life. We have shared many special moments together, which leaves me with a treasury of memories. We shared our ups and downs together, always lifting up our spirits, laughing a lot. You will always be with me and I will see you again. You were a gift to me from God and I thank Him everyday for you. To Courtney, Tucker and his darling Lilly, you were your dads treasure, his gold. He was so proud of you and loved you so much. What a Dad and a Grandfather. May God give you strength during this difficult time. I am so so sorry. You are in my prayers. With love, (Florence F E) Murtha

David Spalding

May 21, 2020

I was a fraternity brother at Michigan State and a groomsman in Tom and Karen's wedding We reconnected over the last few years in Florida and had several nice evenings together My condolences to the entire Aylward family David Spalding

Mary Larsen

May 20, 2020

.I have many fond memories that I cherish of Tom and his family from growing up in Marshall. Our families were close friends. He will be missed. He was one of the good guys... My deepest sympathy to Tucker, Courtney, and all the Aylward family.

Simone Taylor

May 19, 2020

I know that even though you have a loss, you still have some great memories. I hope those memories will give you comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of sorrow.

Randy Hatch

May 19, 2020

Too soon.... so sorry to hear. Good man, solid; always focused on work, family and friends. Early memories from the Southern Department at Morgan-- late wife Judy and I had a place near the office, I prided myself at starting early, but I could never manage to get there before Tom who, after an hour and half commute from New Canaan and turning on the lights, was already hard at it. That ethic and dedication stayed with him always.

Tom Stealy

May 19, 2020

I grew up with Tom in Marshall, MI. I knew his parents and siblings well; he will be missed by all who knew him.

Barrett Petty

May 18, 2020

I knew Tom well from our years at JP Morgan. A wonderfully positive attitude, great sense of humor, and good team player. I hadn't seen him for years following retirement when he appeared at a St. Andrews Club party a few years ago. We had a very long and enjoyable lunch with Tom and his girlfriend at St. A's in early March. I'm glad for that. Godspeed, old friend.

William Cobb

May 18, 2020

I went to business school with Tom and we joined Morgan the same year. And lived in New Canaan together for many years. Great guy. Wonderful memories of the family. Best to Courtney and Tucker.

Sarah

May 18, 2020

Tom's parents were my godparents. Our families were close and it saddens me to hear of his passing away. My thoughts are with the Alywards, Tomsons and all of his family and friends.