Thomas Darragh

Thomas Connor Darragh, Sr. age 74 , of Elburn, passed away Sunday evening, May 25, 2008, claiming the promise of his Savior and surrounded by the love and prayers of his family. Tom fought leukemia fiercely for four and half years, passing his doctors expectations through his determination, strength and love for his family. BORN: He was born August 24, 1933, the son of Harry and Anne (Connor) Darragh in Trenton, NJ. EARLY YEARS :Tom grew up in Trenton, NJ, attending St. John’s Grammar School. He graduated from Trenton Catholic High School in 1950. Following high school he attended LaSalle College where he majored in history. After graduating he went to Notre Dame where he pursued a law degree graduating in 1958. After passing the Bar, Tom moved to Chicago where he worked in various legal positions such as the Cook County Public Defender as well as an assistant states attorney. Tom also worked for a private practice before working for the Illinois Bureau of Investigations. Eventually he returned full circle in 1980 when he began working again as a Cook County Public Defender before retiring in 2003. MARRIAGE Tom met the future love of his life at a local restaurant in Marina City in Chicago. At first sight, Tom’s blue eyes sparkled and he got her attention by singing the Danish National Anthem. Bodil Nielsen forever had his heart and following a whirlwind courtship they were united in marriage December 11, 1971 at St. Albani Church in Odense, Denmark. They began their new life together in Beverly Hills, Chicago for a time before settling in Elburn in 1983. MEMBERSHIPS Tom was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in St. Charles, IL. LIFE NOTES An intellectual and an avid reader, Tom spent many hours lost in books about history and travel. Because of the depth of Tom’s knowledge, he often would be the "ultimate" tour guide wherever the family went, dutifully narrating home movies documenting all the colorful and sometimes not-so- colorful details of the trip. Rome always held a special part of his heart. The people, food and beautiful splendor that enveloped the city touched him in a way no other place could. Never one to stop learning, Tom also took computer classes and learned to speak Spanish and Italian. He also enjoyed many hours building intricate model ship replicas making sure the smallest details were never overlooked. If he had to start over again, Tom would have become a chef. He was most at home in the kitchen and if you didn’t know his heritage you would swear he was Italian, making many dishes from scratch. Tom’s love was strongest for his family. The center of his life was his loving wife and children. He was an active father, taking part in a myriad of after-school practices, games and tournaments. At home Tom ruled the kitchen and made many meals fit for royalty -though some were enjoyed on the family room floor when their children got to have "dinner picnics". At night he would take all the children upstairs, finding each a comfortable spot on his bed and read until they fell asleep. Tom’s life changed when his children were grown and had kids of their own. There couldn’t have been grandfather more proud or grandchildren more loved. Even during his illness, when life was at its darkest, Tom’s love shone brightest through his family. Although his absence weighs heavy on the hearts of those he loved, no amount of tears can wash away the indelible mark he made on all those who loved him. SURVIVORS He now leaves his loving wife Bodil, Five children:Meghan (Scott Pollack) Darragh and their children Catherine and Logan, of Lake In The Hills, IL;Kathleen (Christopher) Brungardt and their son Heuer, of Olathe, KS;Bernadette (Matthew) Henry and their children Finnegan and Connor, of San Rafael, CA;Thomas Darragh Jr. of Charlotte, NC; Colin Darragh of Elburn, IL;One sister, Alice (John) Sullivan of Hamilton Square, NJTwo nephews:Jay and Thomas Sullivan of NJ and a family of friends the world over. PRECEDED He now joins his parents who preceded him in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL A mass to celebrate his life will begin at 10 a.m., Monday June 2, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 408 Cedar, St. Charles, IL. Interment will follow at Prairie Cemetery. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma research as well as Camp Kesem, a five day camp for children who have lost a parent to cancer. Checks may be made to the "Thomas Darragh Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com. For information call (630) 365-6414

A mass to celebrate his life will begin at 10 a.m., Monday June 2, 2008 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 408 Cedar, St. Charles, IL.

MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name to benefit Leukemia and Lymphoma research as well as Camp Kesem, a five day camp for children who have lost a parent to cancer. Checks may be made to the "Thomas Darragh Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com. or call (630-365-6414)