Thomas Horak
December
17,
2024
Date of birth: 2/11/1954
Date of passing: 12/02/2024
Thomas Gene Horak passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024 after a courageous battle of heart and kidney disease with his loving sweetheart, Judy Koczor, right by his side.
Tom was born in Elmhurst, Illinois to the late Eugene and Lydia (nee Krockenberger) Horak. The oldest brother to Janice, Graham (deceased) and Jon. Uncle to Ashley Horak and cousin to many. He grew up in Wood Dale, Illinois attended Fenton High School and Harper College.
Tom had many talents, was creative, and thought outside of the box. Growing up he learned all about the concrete business from his father and assisted him proudly in laying many driveways, sidewalks, curbs and gutters. Tom also learned about the National Ski Patrol from his father and joined the organization as a teenager making it a lifetime passion. Years later as an avid skier living in Colorado, he joined the patrol at Eldora in Nederland and Loveland in Dillon. Later back home, he volunteered at Four Lakes in Lisle, Illinois and Alpine Valley in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Also participated as an Instructor and Recruiter for the organization.
Tom carved out a career in the airline industry. Inspired by his mother working at Continental Airlines he worked various positions until he had an opportunity to join Air Cargo Sales. He ultimately excelled in that position at Continental then later formed partnerships in chartering cargo planes and moving freight around the world independently.
Tom enjoyed the outdoors, walking on a beach, trip adventures on Amtrak, driving his Blazer, loved Camaros, football, German shepherds, family, friends and his sweetheart of 34 years, Judy. He was a humanitarian, kind, compassionate and a generous soul with a great wit, and enjoyed sharing stories and his ideas with people close to him. Always willing to comfort or lend a helping hand.
Even after his own health challenges and heart surgeries, he volunteered as a chaplain at a hospital to work specifically with heart patients and their family members, and believed he could help them understand their new journey.
His family, friends and those that he influenced with his genuine love for others will greatly miss him.
Interment is private, and a celebration of Tom’s life will be planned in the future. Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home, Westmont & Downers Grove. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com