Visitation: February 15, 2019
Description:
Thomas J. Convey, age 89, passed away at his home in Chicago, on February 11, 2019. He was preceded in death by his father Michael J. Convey; his mother Sarah “Sadie” Convey (nee Mulroy), both from Swinford, County Mayo, Ireland; and his wife Janet Convey (nee White). Tom was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago and graduated from Presentation Catholic School and St. Mel’s High School (Class of 1947). After high school, Tom worked at Standard Oil. He served in the Korean War and was discharged in 1953. In that year, he returned to Standard Oil and on Halloween 1953, he married Janet. They were married for 58 years before Janet passed away in 2011. In 1954, Tom joined the Chicago Fire Department. He served with honor and distinction as a firefighter for 38 years, most notably at the station house on Avondale in Norwood Park, driving the “hook and ladder” (Truck 55). He retired in 1992 at the rank of Engineer (Engine 86, Harlem and Irving Park). He was a proud organizer and leader in Union Local 2 and “walked the line” during the strike in 1980 as one of the first members of the Brotherhood of the Barrel. During his career as a firefighter, he drove several battalion chiefs for many years, and on his days off, Tom drove delivery trucks for American Electric and Harry’s Lumber, among other companies. He held a third job on his days off, moving furniture with his dear, late friend and fellow-firefighter Mel Kasper. Tom had many dear friends on the Fire Department and in his Edison Park neighborhood, where he lived for 61 years. He was always quick with a hearty laugh, a good story or reminiscence, and generous hospitality. He was proud of his Irish-American heritage and loved to sing songs from the old country. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved sister Mary “Kay” Perrone (nee Convey) and his dear niece Maribeth McGreevy (nee Perrone). He is survived by his brothers, Michael and John (Brother Kevin, FSC) Convey; his children Thomas, Michael, Terrence, and Carrie; four grandchildren (Mason, Megan, Tiffany, and Casey) and great-grandson (Dax). Visitation will be at Gibbons Family Funeral Home, 5917 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, Friday, February 15, 2019 3-9 PM. Funeral Mass will be at St. Juliana Catholic Church, 7201 N. Oketo Ave., Chicago, Saturday February 16, 2019, at 12:30 p.m. Interment at Maryhill Cemetery, 8600 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL.
