Thomas Flanagan Obituary

I think of my Uncle Tom often. He was an inspiration and my "go to" guy whenever I was struggling with things in life. As my tenure on the bench is nearing its end(4yrs til retirement) I hold him up as my role model for remaining patient, kind and respectful to those who appear before me. He always reminded me that what may be just an ordinary day for me....was probably the most important and frightening day for the people in my courtroom. It was/is the mist important advice I´ve ever received. Mike Mayer

I am not one to post, but I was compelled to report to his family that Judge Flanagan was one of a kind on the Cook County bench. I appeared before him starting over 25 years ago, and my impression was that he was a learned judge who gave great consideration to all of his decisions. I continue to practice in Chicago and still I have that memory of him going back decades. It was a pleasure to appear before him. I suspect he was just as gracious with his friends and family. My condolences to you on his passing.

Aunt Nancy and my wonderful cousins and families , in the midst of all this turmoil and quarantine , the world has lost a true gem. Uncle Tom was the father figure I never had and a source of inspiration and, at times, comfort and direction. He was a great man and family was the most important thing in his life. He understood peoples faults and always seemed to find a way to make others feel special. When he showed up here in Mn for my swearing in.... it was one of the most fantastic moments of my life. He had a knack for telling a good story and a true skill for making people laugh. My friends and colleagues still talk about my Uncle Tom
I am truly sorry for your loss.... for our loss. While distance has made us grow apart .... rest assured that I loved him deeply and that I love all of you.
Mike

Nancy, We are sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. Geri and I extend our Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. I first met Tom when I went to work for Allstate. That was in 1962. We continued our friendship when he became a Lawyer and years later when he was appointed Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. We cannot thank Tom enough for all that he has done for our family. We will miss him. God bless Tom. and you Nancy and your family. Sincerely with Prayers.

It was a privilege to know Tom, from our days as lawyers to our days on the bench. He was a smart, kind man and he will be missed. My most sincere condolences to you, Nancy, and to his children. May the road rise to meet you, Tom.

What a wonderful, kind, intelligent man with a delightful self-deprecating sense of humor. I was lucky enough to have a courtroom on his floor for years before he retired. I met him when I first tried to become an associate judge in 1988, and the warmth he showed me then stayed with me ever after. I know his life was a blessing to all who knew him.