Thomas J. McElligott

Thomas J. McElligott, age 98, of Glenview, formerly of Skokie. Beloved husband of the late Kathryn, née Hester; dear father of Terence (Cindy), Mary Jo (Eladio Vargas) Sperling, Eileen (Benjamin) Travis, Michael (Lisa), Daniel (Kim), William (Janet), and Thomas (Kerry); loving grandfather of Bill, Kate, and Joe Sperling; Patrick, Alex, and the late Nick Travis; Michael (Stephanie), John, Ryan, Tom, Jack, Brian, Connor, Patrick, and Aidan McElligott; and Kristina Levitan; dear sister-in-law of Marguerite Hester; fond brother of the late William (Mary) McElligott, Helen Horne, Mary (Ben) Bacchi, and Dorothy (Dale) Harmon.

Born September 11, 1924, in Chicago, IL, he was one of five children. He attended Quigley High School and joined the Navy in 1943 during World War II. He was sent to Carson Newman College in TN, Midshipman’s school at Columbia University in NY, and then to Oklahoma to learn Japanese. He was commissioned in July, 1945, and served at a naval base in Okinawa until his discharge in August, 1946. Tom returned to Chicago, where his military service provided the opportunity to attend and graduate from Loyola University in 1948 and Georgetown Law School in 1951. He was admitted to the Illinois Bar that same year, beginning his career with the law firm of McMahon and Plunkett in 1951, until opening his solo attorney practice in 1959.

Tom was an avid golfer, Notre Dame football fan, champion bridge player with his late wife Kate, and a man of strong faith. He had a strong sense of service to the Catholic Church, his community, and all people in need. He taught CCD classes at St. Peter’s Church and was a 60-year member of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree) where he served as their Grand Knight from 1998-2000. He served as president of the South Fairview Property Owners Association, a member of the Niles Township Human Relations Council, and delegate to the School District 72 Caucus. He also served the Village of Skokie as the legal advisor to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. Tom was later appointed as Corporation Counsel for Skokie and elected in 1969 to two terms as a Skokie Trustee. In 1977, he was elected as a Trustee for the Niles Township Board and appointed Supervisor in 1981. He was re-elected as Supervisor for multiple terms until his retirement in July, 2007. Tom’s many accomplishments as Supervisor include founding the Niles Township Community Child Care, establishing the Adult Computer Education Program, enlarging the Niles Township Food Pantry, and modernization of the Township building. Upon his retirement, Tom’s many years of public service were recognized in House Resolution HR0462 passed by the 95th Illinois General Assembly in May, 2007.

Visitation, Friday, September 30, 2022, from 9 a.m. until time of Prayers, 10:45 a.m., at HABEN Funeral Home & Crematory, 8057 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11 a.m., at St. Peter Church of Ss. Peter & Lambert Catholic Parish, 8100 Niles Center Rd., Skokie.

Interment, St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Skokie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL, 60660 (misericordia.com).

Funeral info:  847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook and to leave a condolence message.

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