Thomas P. Blaha

Thomas P. Blaha, age 71, formerly of Chicago, current resident of Riverview, FL; strong advocate for organ donation after his own journey as a heart transplant recipient; dedicated supporter of PopWarner Little Scholars with 19 years of service and volunteer Guardian Ad Litem in Florida where he spent 17 years as a voice for children in the foster care system; We will Miss his “air guitars” and “air drum solos” played along with songs that he loved. His love, hugs, compassion and forgiving heart will never be forgotten. Tom loved to sit outside on his patio and enjoy the Florida sun on a daily basis, going to the beach and spending time with family and his constant willingness to go that extra mile. Tom was the beloved husband of Suanne, nee Ericksen; loving father of Sandra Altergott, Kristine (Jeff) Sharin, Michael Blaha, Timothy (Tanya) Blaha, Amanda (Henry) Vinson, Angela Nieves and Gerald (Blondine) Blaha; devoted grandfather of Brandon (Brea) Altergott, Tyler Blaha, Andrew (Hannah) Altergott, Dylan Blaha, Brianna Medina, Evan Altergott, Gianni Blaha, John Vinson, Mason Sharin, Kyng Carlton, Kyree Carlton, Liam Nieves, Kalani Blaha and the late Aleena Blaha and great-grandfather of Ella, Elija, Daniel and a baby girl due in August; dear brother of Nancy (the late Thomas) Kinsella, Joanne (John) Howlett, Robert (Mary Frances) Blaha and the late James Blaha; cherished son of the late Winifred, nee Sampey and the late Paul Blaha. Visitation Friday, May 24, 2024, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 25, 2024, 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service 10:00 a.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Interment All Saints Catholic Cemetery, DesPlaines. Celebration of Life Service also being planned in Florida, date and time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Voices for Children Tampa Bay, 3314 Henderson Boulevard Suite 207, Tampa, Florida 33609 or the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com