Thomas J. Bell
November 1, 1947 – December 2, 2020
Thomas J. Bell (November 1, 1947- December 2, 2020)
It is with sadness we announce the death of Tom Bell of Orland Park shortly after midnight Wed., Dec. 2nd.
Born to John and Margaret Bell (nee Dillon) in Chicago, Tom joins his recently-deceased wife, Maxine. He is survived by his three sons- Joseph, Phillip (Amy) and Jeffrey (Kristin)- and his three grandchildren- Thomas, Katelyn, and Ryan. Preceded in death by his older brother, John (Kathy), he is survived by his younger sister, Margie, and her children, Erik and Meghan.
After losing his parents as a young child, Tom, along with his two siblings, was raised in Angel Guardian Orphanage on Chicago’s north side. With the unforgettable support of his uncle, Tom Dillon, Sr., Tom and his siblings persevered and endured the experience of growing up without parents. Drafted into the U.S. Army, SSG Thomas Bell served his country in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star for acts of valor in combat.
After safely returning from Vietnam, Tom married, started a family and embarked on a 30 yr. career with Illinois Bell Telephone Co. as a Local 134 IBEW installer. Taking full advantage of any and all available overtime in the winter months, Tom dedicated himself to coaching baseball for his three boys in the summer months. Well-liked by his players, Tom’s sons’ teams not only consistently over-achieved, they won championships. Tom later moved on to management positions as a right of way engineer and supervising electrician before retiring in 2001.
Upon retirement, Tom pursued and was granted dual-citizenship by the Republic of Ireland. For over a decade. he was an invaluable member of the Orland Park Lions Club, serving as its workhorse. During his retirement years, Tom became “Grandpa,” but never stopped being “Dad.”
Loved by many, respected by all, Tom personified an ever-dwindling generation which chose to overcome rather than complain about adversity. He, and his unselfishness, will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, in memory of Tom, donations may be made in his name at www.disabledpatriotfund.org.
April 9, 2021 – 10:00am cst
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