Thomas Boyle Illingworth, 78, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2018.
He was born on January 28, 1939 in Chicago to Walter and Margaret Illingworth. He graduated from Proviso High School in 1958 and proudly served in the United States Navy, serving a tour of duty in Iceland. He met and married the love of his life, Sandy, and they raised a beautiful daughter, Melissa.
They relocated to Fayetteville with Eastern Airlines, where he worked until the airline closed. He then worked for the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, and most recently proudly worked for Fayette County High School, where he was affectionately known as “Robo Cop.”
Tom and Sandy were charter members of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where Tom was deeply involved with the Knights of Columbus. He held many positions in this organization and continued to be involved in the many charitable events sponsored by the Knights.
Tom was a loving and faithful husband, father, and friend to all. His kindness and generosity are well known to many people. As a member of Amigos for Christ, Tom made numerous mission trips to Nicaragua and worked at the various projects to help improve the quality of life for the residents who had been devastated by natural disasters.
Tom is preceded in death by his wife Sandy, daughter Melissa, three brothers and one sister.
He is survived by his brother, Larry Illingworth (Dottie), and many loving nieces, nephews, godchildren, friends and brother Knights. He is also survived by his faithful dog, Sadie.
Visitation was held on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 5:30-8 p.m. at Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. He will be interred at Camp Memorial Park Cemetery in Fayetteville.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of memorial donations to Amigos for Christ. www.amigosforchrist.org.
Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville – www.mowellfuneralhome.com.
