Tomislav “Tom” Ilich, 64, of Lisle, surrounded by his loving family and friends, passed away January 1, 2025 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Beloved husband of Mary (nee McGovern); loving father of Robert (fiance’ Cathleen Reibel), Kathleen (Alex) Falconio, Patricia and Thomas; cherished grandfather “G” of Paisley Mae; devoted son of Dusanka and the late Bora Ilich; dearest brother of Nada (Mark) Bobrowski; dear brother-in law of several and fond uncle and cousin to many. Tom was born September 6, 1960 and grew up in Brookfield where he attended Riverside-Brookfield High School, maintaining a lifelong devotion to the Bulldogs. In 1972 he “led’ his Brookfield Little League team to victory in the prestigious Roy A. Overholt Boys Little League Tournament, of which he reminded his many friends throughout the years. Thus began a lifetime love of sports. He was a loyal Cubs, Blackhawks, Bears, Notre Dame, Ohio State, University of Dayton, Marquette University and Montini Bronco fan. In his 20’s, Tom recruited a softball team, the Hi Flyers, leading them to numerous victories. Tom often shared memories about visiting his family’s homeland, Serbia, and then traveling to Sarajevo for the 1984 Winter Olympics. In 1986 he met his future bride and lifelong “Partner in Crime” Mary McGovern at Waldo Peepers in Stickney. Tom had a love of live music and supported many of the local suburban bands. Although he enjoyed REO Speedwagon, Tom Petty and John Mellencamp to name a few, he was a loyal member of the Parrotheads, traveling all across the country to see Jimmy Buffet in concert, 36 times!! Tom had a long career with Jewel and then owned and operated McGil Services for the past 15 years. He loved traveling with Mary and family to Key West, Clearwater, Marco Island (Stan’s) and Abbey Springs in Lake Geneva, where he could enjoy water, music and beverages. Above all Tom had a genuine love of people, young, old, rich, poor, even White Sox and Packer fans. He will be missed by all whom knew him. Visitation Thursday January 9, 2025 from 3-9 P.M. at Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home 4920 Main St., Downers Grove. Funeral Friday 10 A.M. at the funeral home processing to St. John Serbian Orthodox Church 405 Englewood Ave., Bellwood for a 10:30 A.M. Funeral Mass. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com
Tomislav “Tom” Ilich
January
02,
2025
VISITATION: January 9, 2025
Day: Thursday
Time: 3-9 P.M.
Location: Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home
4920 Main St., Downers Grove, IL. 60515 630-852-8000
FUNERAL MASS: January 10, 2025
Day: Friday
Time: 10:30 A.M.
Location: St. John’s Serbian Orthodox Church
405 Englewood Ave., Bellwood, IL
INTERMENT: Queen of Heaven Cemetery