William P. Tomy, 60, of Downers Grove, director of information technology for Material Service Corp. in Chicago, died of cancer Monday, March 25, in Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood.
Born in Chicago and raised in Elmhurst, Mr. Tomy became interested in computers in the mid-1960s, when his mother, Eleanor, suggested that her son might find a future in the field.
“No one was really talking computers back then, but his mom saw real job potential and figured Bill would be good at it,” said his wife, Patricia. “She encouraged him to check it out and he figured he’d give it a try.”
At the time, Mr. Tomy was attending Elmhurst College, but soon enrolled in a computer school in Chicago, where he became fascinated by the language of the new electronic devices and their technology.
“I think he knew immediately that he was onto something very exciting and that it would be a perfect fit for him,” his wife said. “He’s always been a very organized, detail-minded kind of person, but someone who also enjoys the company and interaction of other people. Computers offered him the best of both worlds.”
In 1972, Mr. Tomy was hired as an assistant analyst at Material Service Corp., a producer of construction materials . There he learned more about computer programming and quickly rose through the ranks. After promotions, he was named director of the information technology department, where he was in charge of about 25 employees.
“Bill was an excellent manager and a very forward thinker,” said Walter Serwa, the company’s chief financial officer. “In making any decision, I could always be assured that he’d researched it from every angle. He’d bring to the table all the various ramifications and made sure he’d covered all the bases.”
After cancer was diagnosed in him in May, Mr. Tomy continued to work out of his home. He had worked for the company for 32 years.
“He truly enjoyed his job and the people he worked with,” his wife said. “There were years when he didn’t even take all his vacation time.”
As important as work was to him, Mr. Tomy also delighted in spending as much time as possible with loved ones. Family outings included dozens of boating excursions.
“He loved his children so much and wanted to give them something to remember him by,” his wife said. “There really wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them.”
Other survivors include two daughters, Christine Randa and Tracy Johnson; his father, Paul; a brother, Robert; and a granddaughter.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Pedersen-Ryberg Mortuary, 435 N. York St., Elmhurst.
