I worked for Tom and Gloria at their ad agency, and count it as one of the best jobs I've ever had. Need to work late? A glass of wine and an offer of dinner would appear. Need cheering up? Tom's quick wit, and Gloria's patient listening were just the ticket. Want a furry friend? A bouncy airedale or fluffy cat would show up. Wish for a lovely weekend in the country? Tom and Gloria would invite our whole crew out to their Galena home. They were some of the kindest, most caring and delightful people I've ever had the good fortune to know.

Tom was my Sunday school teacher in Park Ridge, Illinois, in the early 60s. On clement summer Sundays we often cut class to play tennis at the nearby South Park courts. We became friends then and remained so for roughly 55 years. Tom and I were at opposite ends of the political spectrum, but that never interfered with our friendship. Gloria was my friend, as well, but my bond with Tom was always the closer. I hadn't seen them since I moved abroad in January 2008, but kept in touch occasionally by mail and, rarer, by email. He was a wonderful man, a gift to life and to those whose lives he touched. He lived long enough and well enough that he won't soon be forgotten.

What a great, long life Tom led, one of service and giving. This included his military service in WW2, his service to Rotary, his love of Gloria and his daughters and grandchildren.
I remember so well how he and my husband Dick Alexander teased each other over tennis and Tom's driving (tailgating).
When we moved to Galena Tom was so helpful in introducing Dick to Rotary and us to so many friends.
The world has been a better place for his having been in it.
My warm regards and condolences
Barbara Alexander

So many years ago, Tom was among my husband Dennis's dearest friends. They met through Rotary, when it was first organized in Galena. They played tennis and worked many community events together. When Dennis developed brain cancer at age 44, Tom was there for him until the end. After Denny's death, Tom and Gloria were there for me too--and my two young girls. I will never forget the kindness he extended to us, over many years, as my girls grew up. Often enough, I would find a bag of apples sitting on our doorstep on Overview Ct. in Dubuque, and I would know that Tom and Gloria had stopped by "just checking." Tom was an accomplished, caring man. I was blessed to have known him. May he be blessed in those of us who cherish his memory.

Our sympathy to the family! We remember apple picking at Scales Mound, delicious suppers with homemade bread, great WWII stories, Chicago stories, and fun tennis matches.

Sharon Kress and Keith Cook