Thomas Leopold Obituary

Leopold, Thomas

Thomas Max Leopold passed away at his home in Winnetka, Illinois, surrounded by loving family on July 2, 2025. Born in Highland Park, Illinois on July 7, 1933, Tom was a lifelong resident of the North Shore where he cherished relationships that spanned generations. Devoted husband of Janet Leopold (nee Wilkinson) for 41 years, adoring father of Jennifer Leopold (Steve Katz), Mary Leopold (Alexander Brown) Joanne Leopold, loving stepfather of Elizabeth Goodwin (Fred Roberts) and Andrew Goodwin (Sarah Heil) and fantastic grandfather ("Baba") to Avery and Olivia Katz, Miles and Oliver Leopold, Anna and Gabriel Maicon, Jake, Makena and Brewer Roberts and Emma and Katie Goodwin. Tom was the middle child of Robert and Viola "Bunny" Leopold. He is survived by his older brother Robert "Bob" Leopold, Jr. and little sister Mary Freeman. Tom was a sweet and protective big brother to Mary; she remembers with fondness him teaching her to dance in the living room. Tom, his brother and their father were proud Michigan alums and spend over 70 years gather watching the Michigan football games. Tom graduated from University of Michigan in 1955. His college years were a special time for him. At Michigan, Tom was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) fraternity where he maintained lifelong friendships with his brothers. He was also a proud member of the Michigumua Society as well as President of the Student Union. After his first job at Inland Steel Tom moved to the Exchange Bank of Chicago. In the mid-70s Tom began trading commodities at the Board of Trade. And at age 60, Tom began another chapter in his career when Continental Bank reached out to him to work for them in the private banking sector. He stayed with Continental, which later became Bank of American, until retirement at age 75. Tom was passionate about music. His piano playing added joy to countless gatherings. Never avoiding the spotlight, Tom was a natural entertainer and his energy and humor made the party come to live. Tom connected with people of all ages. At age 16, he was a co-founder of Camp Go- Bo-Jo-To, a summer day camp, which later became Camp Cuamba. His playfulness, humor and kindness were appreciated by all who met him. Tom was a dedicated supporter of Merit School of Music, where he was on the Board of Trustees from 2013-2025. In 2024 he was elected as a Life Trustee. He was very proud of Merit's mission, and his dedication to the organization was a significant part of his retirement. Tom was a lifelong member of Lake Shore Country Club. As a teen he was invited into a golf game of older guys---they dubbed him "the Kid" and went on to enjoy the same weekly tee time for over 60 years. Whether it was on the tennis court or horsing around in the pool, Tom never tired of playing with his children. LaQuinta, California was Tom's happy place. Tom started going to La Quinta with his parents in the 1950s. For the last 24 years, he and Janet have spent their winters in their home, savoring their view over the golf course and the gorgeous Santa Rosa mountains. But above and beyond all of his talents and accomplishments, Tom's biggest source of pride was his family. Janet was the love of his life. Tom's natural ability to make everyone in his blended family feel loved and special was exceptional; he was very proud of this rarity. As his family reflects upon his life, we take comfort in knowing that his life was brimming with joy, connection, laughter and adventure. Tom treated everyone he met with kindness and humor, and he will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: Merit School of Music, c/o Meredith Barber, Merit School of Music, 38 S Peoria Street, Chicago, IL 60607. Info: www.wenbanfh.com or (847)234-0022.

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