My deepest sympathy to Tom's family. I am just now hearing of his passing. I was shocked since I had just seen him a few weeks ago at my partner Diane's celebration of life service. I shall miss seeing his wonderful smile and always kind words. I would often scan a crowd and see him documenting the protest, gatherings, and meetings. I will say he took the most beautiful pictures of our wedding. His generosity with his time and talents were amazing. On behalf of Diane and myself, thank you not only for your work and your passion for what is right, but sharing your talents with those you photographed. You documented many movements making them one. I shall miss you.

Jill Jack

I was so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Tom was such a proud father. He never passed by without stopping to keep me up to date me as to what my former students were doing. I wanted you to know how proud he was of all of you. sending you all hugs.

Linda Campion

It was with great sadness that I read of Tom's passing. He was a fellow union and political activist with me in Iowa City and contributed so much to make the world, or at least a small part of it, a better place for all. I learned from him. Thank you, Tom...Rest in Peace...

A photo has many words. Tom captured these with his camera. All of our family photos like documentaries on flicker. We can thank him for this. He carried on the legacy of our family through photos. I’d like to think we left no page unturned in our family because we have taken the time to hang with our family. We gather together to support each other. To entertain each other. To get to know each other. To love each other. We leave no rock unturned. We are all rocks in one way or another in our family. Wether it be humor when needed. Love and hugs when needed. A shoulder to cry on when needed. A ear to listen when needed. Or for Tom an eye for a perfect photo when needed. Heaven has yet gained another angel of this wonderful family of ours. We have yet another family member to share memories about for generations to come. We have pictures to remind us of these precious moments because of Tom.

Rest In Peace Tom. Fran’s been waiting for you!

Tom was a constant presence in the union community--as an organizer, negotiator, set-up and clean--up crew, and as a photographer. He really was the local archivist of people and events in our community. Friendly, determined, committed, and thoughtful. Ever present and that means so much. May his life be celebrated fully. My best to the family--know he was part of ours, too.

Tom, thank you for being the best grandpa and role model to Karley that we could ever ask for. You are the most selfless human being I have ever known. You have exposed Karley to what it means to not put herself first. You have exposed her to what it means to fight the good fight, and stand up for what she believes in. Thank you for every rally, every march and every political event you have taken her to. Thank you for every sporting event, every holiday and family reunion you have taken her to. I know for sure she will remember everything you have ever done for her. This will make her an even better person. Thank you grandpa, life is going to be so hard without you. We will be ok. I know you and Fran are going to have a wonderful Valentine’s Day together, and be with each other eternally. Love you so much, Tom. Thanks for being you.

Lynn

Grandpa Tom was the kind of person who always put everyone else’s needs before his own no matter how much he had to sacrifice to do it. He would always be at all of the sporting events, birthday parties, family reunions, etc. even if it meant he had to cancel other plans. As a child him and Grandma Fran were like second parents to me when my parents couldn’t be. They would always do whatever they could to make me happy and now I wish I could’ve worried about them more. What I’m trying to say is that grandpa would sacrifice his own happiness for all that he loved and would love to see most of us gathered in this room today to celebrate his good moments and forget the bad.

Love you Grandpa, Karley

While holding his hand and daughter Kelly holding his other hand, we lost my beloved brother and her Father, early Tuesday morning. I thought I wouldn't be able to bare the loss but then some things happened to help me though it.

He is okay now, let me tell you how I know. As I sat beside him and talked to him I told him if he could possibly do it to somehow let me know from the other side he was okay. My grandson Keegan Cahalan and I went to let his dog outside Mon afternoon. As we were standing there a cardinal landed in the tree in front of us. I usually always figure when I see one it is sister Lynette, so I said Hi Lynn, the cardinal started chirping at me. After Tom's passing, and at about dawn I again let the dog out. I heard a cardinal again. Searching the trees I saw it in another tree further away I said Lynn is that you? Nothing from the cardinal no chirping nothing. I stood thinking you know this is Francine's yard. So I said Francine is that you. The cardinal flew into the tree right in front of me. I asked is he alright? The cardinal started chirping away. And I knew Tom was okay now because Francine and Lynn just told me so. I went outside many times that morning but no more cardinal, they had done their jobs letting me know Tom was ok.

The family wants to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It was so painful watching this wonderful man leave us. He was loved by so many people, family and friends,, his union family, well actually just everyone. None of the family or friends has ever heard anyone say a bad thing about him. Even when he was a union steward and won his case he was respected and admired by the other side who lost. Even with the differences in political views of his family we all knew that we still loved each other without a doubt. I will miss you every day dear brother. I know that I would not be the person I am today without you in my life. You were my rock on so many times and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I met Tom during our Union organizing campaign at Univ Hospitals in the late 90's. It was clear to me then and while I had the good fortune to know him, that he clearly understood unity and the importance of collective action.

And Tom's ability to capture people and events through his photography was a special gift that he gave us all. His gentle and kind nature will be missed but his memory lives on by so many whose lives he touched.

In the Union, when we lose a fellow brother or sister we sometimes use the phrase "Mourn for the Dead, but Fight like Hell for the Living" or "Gone by Not Forgotten". I think both apply, because that's how Tom lived his life.

From the members of SEIU Local 199 we offer our deepest sympathy to Tom's family.

I remember Tom when he called to ask for information on power plant wages and benefits. We shared information and that began a relationship for many decades. He cared deeply about his family and his union family. He was a truly good soul and he made a difference in the lives of many people.