Dempsey, Thomas W. 84, died May 3, 2018, in Naples, Florida. "Sweetbuttons," as his mother called him, was born June 8, 1933, to the late Judge John T. Dempsey II and the late Julie Dempsey (née Walsh). He was a graduate of Loyola Academy '50, the University of Notre Dame '54, and Northwestern University School of Law '60; and was a partner at Lord, Bissell & Brook and chair of their London Litigation Department. Tomás, as he was called by his grandchildren, is survived by his loving wife, Karen Kowal Dempsey; children, Samuel (Donna), Michael Dempsey, Nicholas Ritacco, and the late Honor Elizabeth (Alistair Carter) Dempsey-Carter; grandchildren Jacob, Grace, Jackson, and Lillian; sister, Julianne "Jan" (the late Robert) Largay; brothers, John T. "Nick" (Marilyn) Dempsey III, and the late Judge Robert J. (the late Patricia) Dempsey; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Demps, as his many friends knew him, loved so many things in life: his family, tennis, books and literature, Fighting Irish football, the Bulls and White Sox, bonhomie and fine scotch, and the Big Sand Lake Club. He served as an interpreter for U.S. Army Intelligence and spoke German, Czech, Spanish, and Russian; he loved talking to native speakers and traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico. His love, wit, humor, and support, among so many qualities, will be deeply missed by family and friends. Visitation Friday, May 11, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Michalik Funeral Home, 1056 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642. Family and friends will meet Saturday, May 12, 2018 for a 10:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, 2517 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago, IL 60647. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Scleroderma Foundation of Greater Chicago at www.scleroderma.org/chicago. For further info please call 312-421-0936 or www.michalikfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dempsey

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9 Entries

Ron & Dotty Salski

May 12, 2018

Tom & Family,
We will miss you at our tennis group in
Naples, FL We had some great conversations
and know you are at peace.
Ron & Dotty Salski

Carla Byrnes

May 11, 2018

I am so very sorry to hear of Toms passing. What a tremendous soul he was. I have so many fond memories of him at Sand Lake. Please accept my condolences. There are some people who have left such a mark on those around them that they leave a huge hole when they leave us. Tom was one of those wonderful people. My wish is that the hole can be filled with the sound of his laughter and the image of his smiling face and the memory of the many many kindnesses he generously bestowed on everyone around him. Love to you Sam and Mike, Donna, Karen, Julie, Nick, Marilyn, Julie, Meg, John, Bobby and the rest of the Largay Dempsey gang.HugsCarla Byrnes

John O'Meara

May 11, 2018

Tom,

Some of my most memorable days were spent in your company. Whenever I drafted anything, the question for myself was, and is, "Okay so how would Tom put it?" You had a talent for making your opposition absolutely mortified, infuriated. They were beside themselves trying to undo what you had done to their cases. You put a touch of erudition on mundane matters, sort of noblesse oblige for the unwashed masses.

And, of course, skiing became part of my winters as well as playing bridge while listening to the "Midnight Special."

It was my good fortune that you went o Northwestern and then Lord, Bissell. Thanks for everything

May 11, 2018

So sorry for your precious loss. May the promise at Isaiah 35:5,6 give you comfort and hope in the days to come.

Priscilla Lynch

May 11, 2018

My sincere condolences to family and friends. May the God who binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn, sustain your family during this difficult time - Isaiah 61:1, 2.

FDR

May 11, 2018

Dear Karen we are so saddened to hear about Thomas and offer our heartfelt condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Matthew 5:4

May 10, 2018

My Condolences To The Family;
I'm so sorry for your great loss. May all of the beautiful memories that you all shared with your loved one, bring you all some comfort when sadness sets in.

BOB COPPENS

May 10, 2018

KAREN, YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE MY MOST SINCERE SYMPATHY. I'M GOING TO MISS MY OLD TENNIS BUDDY.
WE HAD SOME GREAT TIMES TOGETHER!
THE FLAG AT NBTC IS AT HALF STAFF IN TOMS HONOR.
BOB COPPENS

May 10, 2018

It is never easy to lose a loved one, I pray you find comfort in God's promise found at John 6:40, which shows that soon we will see all our loved ones again. My deepest condolences to the family.

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