Thomas Hoban, 83, left this earth on Wednesday, Feb. 16 to meet his maker and join his waiting wife, Ellie. We can see them dancing together now. Tom wasn’t famous, but he left his mark on this world. He was a quiet man. One who was always there for his family and neighbors, but who never wanted to be a bother to others. Tom, a native of Westport, County Mayo, Ireland, was the youngest of Patrick and Bridget, nee Heraghty’s, nine children. His father died when Tom was just an infant. With two brothers already working the family farm, Tom struck out for England in 1939 to better his lot using his brother Willie’s papers. He played rugby for a bit, before deciding split lips were not for him. Tom met the love of his life, Ellen Doherty, during the war and they married in London in 1947. Tom and Ellie had Frank, Jean and Eileen. Looking to improve the quality of life for his young family, Tom moved his family to Chicago in 1953. He worked for many years as a machinist with HawthorneMellody Dairy and was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 754. Tom always said he wished he could have done more for his family. But how do you measure a man? He and Ellie were married for 46 years before Ellie’s passing in 1994. He raised three somewhat well-adjusted children, providing a college education and an opportunity for a good life for all three. He had five wonderful grandchildren, and a soon to be born first great-grandchild. We’ll miss you. Thomas Hoban. Beloved husband of the late Ellen, nee Doherty; loving father of Frank (Jacquelyn), Jean (Michael) Field and Eileen (Gary) Ozog; dear grandfather of Katie (Juan) Chapa, Michael, Shannon, Todd and Megan; fond brother of Cecilia Moran, Anne Halligan and the late Beatrice Scott, Nora Moran, Mary, Katherine, William and Patrick Hoban. Funeral Monday 9:15 a.m. from Gibbons Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd., to St. Celestine Church, 3020 N. 76th Court, Elmwood Park. Mass 10 a.m. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 5 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Seasons Hospice, 1600 Dempster St., Park Ridge, loving caregivers over the past few months. For info 773-777-3944 orwww.irishfuneralhome.com
