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BORN

1936

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave.

Norridge, Illinois

Thomas Fitzgibbon Obituary

Fitzgibbon, Thomas Passed away on January 1, 2015. He was born in Greenwich Village, NY in 1936. He grew up in Manhattan, graduating from LaSalle Academy and Christian Brothers in NY. He attended Arizona State University with ROTC and played football there for 2 years. He moved to New York, Washington, DC and then to Chicago in 1976. His life was characterized by great integrity, personal courage and business success. Mr. Fitzgibbon was the President of Twentieth Century Services. He served on the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. He received two governor's appointments to serve on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority and the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. He also received an appointment by President Richard M. Nixon to serve on a labor relations board for HEW in New York. He held numerous positions in four unions, culminating in the International Vice-Presidency of the Brotherhood of Railway and Airline Clerks (BRAC). He traveled the globe representing the International Transport Federation headquartered in London. He was past president of Chicago Special Olympics and served as trustee of Mercy Hospital and Director of the Irish Fellowship Club. Tom was an avid boater and deep sea fisherman, winning gold and bronze medals in the 20th International Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament and the Hemingway Fishing Tournament in 2001 in Havana, Cuba aboard the boat, "J. Hook." A prize catch and display now hangs in Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House in downtown Chicago. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a zest for life! His world travels for business and pleasure made him a masterful storyteller. He had a deep abiding love for God, family, politics and country. And, he was most proud of his 100% Irish heritage. Mr. Fitzgibbon lived by the meaning of a handshake and a look in the eye. His word was a good as gold. He never met a stranger or forgot a face. And, he never refused a personal request by a friend or charity in need. He was a friend to the common man throughout his union career to make sure every worker was able to earn a decent living wage to support his family. And he called many strikes across the nation in various industries to ensure it. He always said, "in order to have a friend, you have to be a friend." And, his life deeds proved him out as hundreds of friends have remained at his side through the decades from across the nation. He knew that the greatest gift in life was love and true riches in life were treasured friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his children, Robert, Beth (Howard) Levitt, and Tim (Lisa) Fitzgibbon; his grandchildren, Carolyn and John Fitzgibbon; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth (Jerry) Callis; his sister-in-law, Lorraine (Mark) Rudolph; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Fitzgibbon; his siblings, Joan (George) Sheehan, Eugene (Irene) Fitzgibbon, and Robert Fitzgibbon; and his sons, Tommy and Johnny Fitzgibbon. Visitation is Thursday from 3:00 until 9:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge. Visitation on Friday 8:30 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 10:00 a.m. at Old Saint Patrick's Church, 700 West Adams St., Chicago, IL. Interment private All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to: Misericordia, c/o Father Jack Clair, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 and Standing Tall Foundation c/o Father John Smyth, 1100 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Info 708-456-8300 or www.cumberlandchapels.com.

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

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Mike Houlihan

January 20, 2015

What a guy, the best! God bless you Tommy!
Houli

Cheryl Bowler Schrager

January 15, 2015

Dear Yvonne & Family,

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I will always remember his sense of humor and hearty laugh. May your many happy memories be with you during this difficult time.

Thoughts & prayers,
Cheryl Bowler Schrager

Victoria Jones

January 13, 2015

Always the kindest man to me. I am sorry for your loss. He could always put a smile on my face as I am sure he did with everyone.

Barbara Bailey

January 10, 2015

Over the years Tom & I shared some wonderful memories. He was a gentleman & will be missed by the many friends he had. So happy we had the time together. My condolences to his lovely family.

Robert Bursley

January 10, 2015

I'd like to say that tom was a great man and I wish I could help you more I'm sorry that I couldn't .you have my condolences and I really would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart Tommie Vaughn you guys are both great people

JOSE AND HILIA GALVEZ

January 9, 2015

OUR CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS FOR ALL THE FAMILY.

Terry Cornell

January 8, 2015

What a great man....He's was always a pleasure to talk to. When I met him the first time, he made me feel like he was my friend forever. He will truly be missed.

The Sisters and Residents of Misericordia

January 8, 2015

our sympathies and prayers for Tom and his wonderful family.

January 8, 2015

I was so very sorry to learn that one of our town's special citizen's
Tom Fitzgibbon, has left us. I had the pleasure of sharing his
friendship for many years, especially during the long period he
worked with Special OLympics Chicago as a President and board member and very kind contributor. I also recognized his efforts in business which were reflected in the respect he received from his many peers...and we all enjoyed his sense of humor and his very positive attitude about life. I know his wife Yvonne and his family were very proud of him every day and he will definitely be missed...although we know he is golfing and fishing with his other
family members in the great beyond. And yes, he was also a great asset to his Irish heritage. With fondest thoughts always,

Robert Werner

January 7, 2015

Tom Sr. My best friends father. May you be reunited with Tommy up in Heaven. Thanks for all your friendship and stern constructive encouragement. You will be reremembered always. Thank You!

January 7, 2015

To Beth, Robert and Tim,

You and your family have our deepest sympathy on your father's passing. We are thinking of all of you fondly as we remember the many adventures we shared. What a life well lived!

Sophia Stratton

January 7, 2015

Our deepest sympathy to a wonderful family on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.

The Gawne Family
Martin, Jean (DeFrancesco), Jackie and Charlie

January 6, 2015

Tom will be missed. He was really one of the Good guys, always upbeat and positive.

Jim Rittenberg

The Staff of Cumberland Chapels

January 6, 2015

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Memorial Events
for Thomas Fitzgibbon

Jan

8

Visitation

3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706

Jan

9

Visitation

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Old Saint Patrick's Church

700 West Adams St., Chicago, IL

Jan

9

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Old Saint Patrick's Church

700 West Adams St., Chicago, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Cumberland Chapels

8300 West Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL 60706

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