Thomas J. Hester

February 9, 1938 - April 25, 2020

Private family services will be held.

St. Peter Catholic Church

8100 Niles Center Rd.

Skokie, IL 60077

847.673.1492 |

A public Memorial Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, Skokie, will be held in the future

Thomas J. Hester, age 82, passed away on April 25, 2020. From his birth in Chicago, on February 9, 1938 to his death he affected every person he met with his humor, pure joy, and unconditional love and acceptance. He was born on the west side of Chicago to Patrick and Julia (Grealis) Hester and was the oldest of three boys (brothers Kevin and John {deceased}). Tom served in the US Army and upon release, pursued his talent as a painter and entrepreneur, founding Hester Painting & Decorating in 1968. His eye for color and vision for design were unmatched. His unique faux finishes earned HPD the coveted top spot on the lists of designers and clients alike, a distinction that continues today. An avid softball player into his 50’s, Tom’s team, the DieHards, were propelled to multiple championships by his spectacular pitching skills and the talent and competitive nature of his four sons who joined him on the field. He was proud of his Irish heritage and loved all things Irish from the music and dance, to the culture and history. Tom will affectionately always be remembered as Handsome Tom Hester (HTH). He was preceded in death by his son, Danny (9/29/01), and is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Marianne; sons, Jeff (Julie), Tom (Jenny) and Steve (Heather); 14 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

A private funeral service and interment will be held.

A public Memorial Mass at St. Peter Catholic Church, Skokie, will be held in the future.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Tom’s memory to Mercy Home For Boys and Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60607 (www.mercyhome.org).

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Met Tom in 1963 when he was with Ecker Painting, working at Sanburg Terrace..I played on his baseball team along with his brother,John.Always remember Tom being a very friendly,honest and decent person.So sad to hear of his passing.

I loved Tom Hester. He was one of my favorite patients. It was my honor and privilege to treat him numerous times over the years. No matter how much pain he may have been in, our visits were always filled with laughter and love. One of my favorite stories occurred when I returned from a trip from Ireland, and I showed him a photograph of a pub owner from a tiny, obscure town in western Ireland. He immediately said, "Oh, that's Hillary," which was in fact the name of the pub owner. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to the Hester family.

My Condolences and I really enjoyed Fabulous video. God Bless HTH

Marianne, I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. It's been a long time but I sure remember the good times we had in Wauconda and at your wedding! My prayers for you and your family.

Am so sorry for your loss been many years since our family has seen tom and marianne what great memories and times we had at the Freibert cottage in waconda god bless Tom and all the rest of the hester family . Ed Cosek, Susan Cosek ,Larry Cosek,and Janine Cosek

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our deepest condolences to the Hester family.

Rest in peace my old friend. You're loved and will be missed.Larry Ventresca

Our deepest sympathies to all the Hester clan. A larger than life man that will never be forgotten. With much love, Rob and Rosa.

Our Deepest Sympathy to the Hester Family. Enjoyed working for Tom during my painting career. He was a man of his word and had a way with his customers that couldn't be beat. He truly left his mark on our industry. Rest in Peace my friend.

To Marianne, Jeff , Tom, Steve and all the Hester Family, our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. May all the joy filled times you had with Tom bring you comfort.

Our Deepest Condolences, that is a beautiful obituary. Our heart goes out to the family. May He Rest In Peace.

Our deepest sympathy to the Hester family.Mr. and Mrs. Philip Mendel, Freeport, IL

Marty and I were so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We have known him for many years. We always loved seeing Tom and enjoyed working with him in our homes. He was a wonderful man who will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We are so sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and I am glad to have known him. My thought sand prayers are with the Hester family.

My sincerest condolences to all the Hester family. Tom was a warm, loving, compassionate man who was always kind, gracious and magnanimous. His effusive manner, sense of humor and engaging aura always made me feel comfortable, loved and appreciated and I will forever be grateful to have known him. May his memory be a blessing to all that knew and loved him.

So sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to the whole Hester family. See you soon! Love

Marianne, we are so sorry for your loss along with your family & friends' loss.Tom was a great hit at some of the events that we attended at the Wiegands & Keoughs. We just wish we had got to know him closer.Robert & Kathleen Voshell

I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's dad passing away. May God be with you and bring you comfort during this difficult time. You have deepest sympathy. Carol Peterson

Dottie and I send our sincere condolences to Marianne and his sons and their extended family. We met and grew to know and love Tom here in Florida. He was a big personality, full of fun, laughter and love. Whether golfing together, sharing Easter dinner at the Keough's, or having a beer from my key in the garage, he always lit up the experience with his ever present smile, quick wit and stories. Taking advantage of his immense skill as a painter, our home is graced with a number of his faux painting contributions that will fondly remind us of him in the years to come. He was one terrific gentleman.

I'm sorry to hear about Tom I had the pleasure to play softball with Tom in the 1970's he was a heck of a player and competitor we had a few good years together that I won't forget. God bless him and his family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Sincere condolences to family. Great man Rest in Peace

My most sincere condolences to all of the Hester Family at this difficult time. Prayers for all of you and may God Bless you all. Tom Giese

Dear Jeff and Family very sorry to hear about your dad we will say a prayer all our best Jon & Pam Heinz

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.Love, Bev & Marv, Leslie & Keith, Hillary & Lee

My very deepest sympathies to you Marianne, Jeff, Julie & Family, Tommy, Jenny, & Family, Kaleigh & Family, Aidan, Alana, Stephen, Heather, & Family, Tom was our family’s Irish Blessing🍀. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a very proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was generous to all. He was very personable and loved to tell stories. He is at peace . I will always love the memories I cherish of “HTH.”

Dear Marianne and Family, It is with our sincere and deepest sympathy that we extended our condolences at the passing of Tom (HTH) Hester. There are few words that can encompass this fine man. Son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather top the list of his accomplishments, He was a self-made success story. The legacy he leaves will never be forgotten. It was our pleasure to have known him. His sense of humor is unforgettable. Slán a fhágáil farewell, Tom.

Thanks for always being the big brother! Love you and already miss you!! Kevin

Marianne, Jeff, Julie, and family, Tommy, Jenny and family, Stephen, Heather and family: Our family was sadden to hear of the passing of Uncle Tom. Our prayers will continue to be with you. Praying that you will feel God’s comfort and strength in the days, weeks and months to come. Even though we did not get the opportunity to see you often, we hold our memories tight and treasure them dearly. We love you all.

We lost one of the really good ones yesterday. Tom was the leader of our family for as long as I can remember. Generously sharing all he had with family an friends. He was a role model in how to father a family. Came from the west side of Chicago, which he fondly called “the old neighborhood”, where he made lasting life long friends. His leadership and dedication to his team and clients, made Hester Decorating the success that it is today. Sending all my love to Marianne, his sons Jeff, Tommy, Steven, their wives and his many grand and great grandchildren. “H” I’ll miss you terribly until we meet again. I love you....

My thoughts and prayers are with you Marianne and your family in this moment of loss. I was deeply saddened to hear from Scott about Tom‘s passing. He was the best boss a man could ever hope for. He along with my own father gave me one of the most critical eyes a human being could possibly have. I will greatly miss the laughter and frustrations Tom and I share together!! I ask in my prayers for God to give you and your family strength in this time of need. God bless you all!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.