Thomas J. Herman

Thomas J. Herman, age 83, U. S. Army Veteran. Beloved husband for 57 years to the late Patricia Rose Herman, nee Chomer (2025). Loving father of Colleen (John) Dooley, Sandra (Christopher) Cella, Megan (Thomas) Murray and Katie (Edward) Adamczyk. Proud grandfather of Joseph Sigmund (fiancée Nicole), Luke (Kristin), Hannah (Joe), Maverick (Hannah), Patrick, Emily (fiancé Ryan), Reilly, Kaitlyn, Ryan and Madelyn. Cherished great-grandfather of Giavanna and two more on the way. Devoted son of the late Sigmund and Ethel (nee Pomeranz) Herman. Preceded in death by his siblings the late Richard (Marie), Eugene (late Cleta), Rosemary (late Edward) Rickert, Dolores (late Jerry) Trandel, Robert and James (Colleen).

A Life Well Lived, A Joke Always Ready

Thomas John Herman, born in Chicago in 1943, was a man with a grateful heart, a strong work ethic, a generous spirit, and a joke always ready. The baby of the “Herman Gang”, Tom had a gift for making people smile and believed wholeheartedly that laughter was the best medicine.

A graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, even though he rebelled against the hair length rules. Following high school, Tom proudly served two years in the United States Army protecting the beaches of Monterey. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Patricia, affectionately known as Patty Rose. Together, they built a life filled with love, family, spontaneous road trips, and countless cherished memories.

Tom “slammed his body” in the sheet metal union for more than 40 years, taking pride in a hard day’s work. At the end of the day, he would question us all.. “Do you know what I said to the sun, the rain, the wind, the sleet”?

His greatest adventures, however, were often the unplanned ones. As the proud father of four daughters—Colleen, Sandra, Megan, and Katie—Tom made sure life was never boring. Surprise trips to Florida and impromptu hotel stays during the long winter months became treasured family memories. A thoughtful and creative man, he was also known for his legendary handmade gifts and ingenious sheet metal fixes, always finding a way to help others.

Tom’s humor was unmistakable, and everyone looked forward to his next joke. As he liked to say, “You know you’re old when you and your teeth don’t go to bed together!” But beyond the laughter was a man of genuine kindness, pure intentions, generosity, and words of wisdom. He approached life with a glass-half-full attitude and lived by Pat’s simple philosophy: “If you want to be happy, make someone else happy.” Tom was a perfect example of not just talking the talk but walking the walk.

The man, the myth, the legend. To know Tom was to love him. Whether as a husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, son, brother, uncle, or friend, he left an unforgettable mark on everyone blessed enough to cross his path. Until his very last day, he continued to bring joy, laughter, and comfort to those around him.

Tom’s legacy is a constant reminder to “savor the moment”, appreciate the little things, be content with what life gives you, and above all, never forget to laugh.

Raise your glasses to the best man on this side of the Pecos! Tom Herman—you will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

May the road rise to meet you, Dad. Until we meet again, keep dancing with Patty Rose and Jesus. “You’ve been promoted”.

Visitation Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. until time of Prayer Service 9:30 a.m. at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL to St. Julie Billiart Church, 7399 W. 159th Street, Tinley Park, IL for Mass 10:00 a.m. Immediately following, Thomas will be interred with Military Honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL along with his late wife Patricia.

To honor his life, donations in memory of Thomas can be made to Jill’s House, a Christian non-profit organization that serves children with profound intellectual disabilities. They are located at 9001 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182. CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400