Thomas Ward Lynch, 84, of Naperville passed away peacefully at home on June 26, 2024. Tom bravely faced cancer another time, and was surrounded by the love of his family, creating countless special memories through his final months.
Tom was born on August 26, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan to Mortimer and Arlene Lynch. The city gave him a love of things only Detroit can offer – from Coney Dogs to Better Made chips and Sanders fudge. He loved his home city and enjoyed reliving memories of people and places through his many stories over the years. Following high school graduation, Tom served in the United States Marines Corps for three years. His years in the service brought him through various locations in Asia. He then attended Wayne State University for his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration, and began a long career in sales, eventually launching his own company to become a Manufacturer’s Representative. Providing experiences and opportunities to his family through his successes in life gave him such pride.
Tom was first blessed with two children, John and Jill, before later meeting the love of his life, Donna, in 1984. They enjoyed nearly 39 years of happy marriage together. Tom was blessed with two more children with Donna – Laura and Erin. He was an adoring father and grandfather, reliably starting every conversation with his kids asking how they were and how their kids were.
Tom loved spending time outside, reading, cheering for the Chicago Bears (although he started as a Detroit Lions fan, but had to make the switch after they ruined one too many Thanksgivings), watching Indy races, and most recently chasing after his grandson, Connor – adding to the joy of his five older grandchildren (Ellie, Lily, Christian, Noah and Cooper). Tom’s love for God and reading about God’s grace was a cherished part of life for him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Donna; his children John (Jennie) Lynch in Aylesbury, U.K., Jill (Josh) Griffiths in San Diego, CA, Laura Lynch and Erin (Sam) Groppi in Naperville, IL; his grandchildren Christian and Noah Lynch, Ellie, Lily and Cooper Griffiths, and Connor and Baby Girl Groppi; and countless friends who will miss his friendship and stories. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mortimer and Arlene Lynch, and sister, Muriel Lynch.
Tom will be deeply missed but cherished forever by those who loved him.
Tom’s life will be celebrated on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle, IL. Visitation will take place 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., with a service following at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private for immediate family.
The family invites you to honor one of your favorite charities in memory of Tom.
