Thomas P. Blackwell

Thomas P. Blackwell, 76, of Wheaton, passed away in the early morning hours of November 30, 2023. 

Tom was born October 10, 1947 and was raised by Helen and Fred Walker.  Tom was a 1965 graduate of Bogan High School on Chicago’s West Side. In 1969, Tom graduated Northern Illinois University where he received both his Bachelor's degree and Master's Degree in 1977. Tom became a teacher, teaching middle school math for 35 years at Hadley Junior High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he loved regaling students with his stories, his songs, and his "affection" for cats.  Tom’s great passions in this life were his family and his coaching.  Tom spent decades coaching girls’ softball and basketball for schools including Hadley Junior High School, Downers Grove South, Glenbard West, Montini, and Grayslake Central.  Teaching young people and helping them develop pride and confidence in themselves was one of Tom’s great joys. 

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 52 years Karen (nee Klecka), cherished granddaughter Samantha, daughter-in-law Eileen (nee Collins) and scores of friends, former students, student athletes and fellow teachers.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Fred Walker, as well as his son, Kevin Blackwell (Eileen). 

Memorial Visitation will be on Tuesday, December 12th  from 4-7:30 PM with Service at 7:30 PM at Leonard Memorial Funeral Home (630-469-0032), 565 Duane St., Glen Ellyn, IL.  Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, December 13th at 10 AM at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 310 S. Wheaton Ave., Wheaton. 

He is so very loved.

In  lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, online at https://www.stjude.org/donate, or mail to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

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