Thomas M. Ellison, Jr.

July 22, 1970 – March 28, 2024

Thomas M. Ellison, Jr., 53 passed suddenly at his home in Chicago on March 28, 2024. The youngest of 8 children of Thomas M. & JoAnn Ellison of Munster.  Thomas graduated from Munster High School and Purdue University Northwest with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance.  Several years ago, Thomas moved to Chicago where he was currently employed with Ozinga Construction in Outside Product Sales in a job he loved and thrived at. If ever there was such a thing as a “natural salesperson”  Thomas was the epitome of that definition.

Thomas’ 2 Sons, James & Parker were the Loves of his Life. Thomas would want his sons to remember this and keep his love for them in their hearts. Talking about them and believing in them kept him going and Thomas felt his sons were the best thing he ever did in his life.

Thomas loved his family and that includes not only his siblings but nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles…the more the better…when he’d mention specific persons he’d always say “I really love her/him” and he did. Thomas always had an infectious smile on his face and he made an impression everywhere he went with his handsome good looks and most importantly huge heart..he loved people and he touched many people’s lives for the better. His charismatic personality drew others to him like a magnet and others were always just as happy to see him as he was to see them. Co-workers would proudly say Thomas was their friend, not just someone they worked with.

Thomas was a “foodie” who loved to cook and was very good at it. His salad dressing will be impossible to duplicate. Dining with his Clients, Family or Love & Best Friend Andrea Villanueva was a favorite pastime. When time allowed Thomas looked forward for weekend getaways with Andrea to Lake Geneva, WI and short trips to Florida. Being on the go pretty much non-stop was Thomas trademark. A HUGE Cubs Fan Thomas enjoyed attending many games with his brother, Kevin as well as Andrea, his Friends & Clients. Thomas also tended bar at a few well visited Chicago Spots where he loved meeting & chatting up many from different walks of life. It seemed like everyone knew Thomas.

Growing up Thomas often accompanied his Dad along with his brothers Jimmy and Kevin on “fishing trips” to Minnesota. He always looked back on those times with a big smile.

Thomas and his sister Debra’s son, Ryan Gailmard, who was Thomas’ nephew, were only 13 months apart in age. They went thru Munster High School together and after graduation spent many times experiencing life’s adventures as Best Friends celebrating everything and anything they could. Sean Gailmard, also Thomas’ nephew was four years younger than Thomas and has shared Thomas was someone he really looked up to during those years.

It was a Family joke, even with Thomas that he could never pass a mirror or other reflective surface without looking into it always wanting to be certain he looked “acceptable” to others asking “how do I look”. He loved to laugh and mention a party, event or gathering and Thomas was “all in”. Thomas was famous for his quick calls or texts to others to say “hello, I love you” or how are you, I miss you”.

Thomas loved his job with Ozinga where he proudly said the Ozinga Family was great to work for…he was driven to excel and his job gave him purpose…

Thomas will be missed beyond words and is survived by three (3) siblings…Sister, Debra Ellison of Munster; Brother, Kevin Ellison & Kevin’s partner Michael DeLargy of Chicago; Sister, Tomi Ann (Joseph) Alfieri of Michigan; Nephews, Ryan Gailmard (children Ryder & Seren) currently of Mesa, Arizona, Sean (Lindsey) Gailmard (children William, Abby, Collin, Reed & Sophie) currently of Walnut Creek California & Jordan Ellison (son Jackson) of Munster. Nicholas Alfieri & his deceased brother Tim’s children Peter Ellison & Elizabeth (Lizzie) Ellison. Aunt, Cindy Ellison Watson Badten (Ed) of Portage; Kevin Watson, Jr.; Uncle, Clint Ellison; Aunt, Wilma Ellison (Uncle Joe’s spouse) of Lansing, IL; Cousins, Roland & Pam Dennis, Brenda Ellison, Judy (David) Zagorac & Dana Ellison Gammon who held a special place in Thomas Heart.

Thomas’ Love and Best Friend Andrea Villanueva of Chicago; Drea’s Mom, Donna who Thomas referred to as his 2nd mom after his Mom JoAnn passed in 2005; and Drea’s sister Dana. Thomas loved them as if they were family.

Lifetime friends Owen Diegnan currently of Miami Beach, FL, Brian aka as Barney (Sue) Hall of Munster, Andrea Roy currently of Downers Grove, IL & Robin Fandrei of Chicago; And Countless others too numerous to mention but no less important in Thomas’ Life.

Reminisced about by Thomas lovingly & frequently. Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas M. Ellison, Sr. & Josephine (JoAnn) Ellison of Munster; Siblings, James Ellison, Brian Ellison, Timothy Ellison and Diane Ellison-Haak (Russ); Maternal Grandparents, Thomas & Helen Bubonovich of Hammond; Paternal Grandparents, Clint & Edith Ellison of Munster; Uncle Joseph Ellison, Aunt, Barbara Ellison; and numerous other extended family members.

Services for Thomas will be private.

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