Thomas N Sebastian Sr.

Tom, or “Spider”, was born December 19, 1942 in Elmhurst, IL to Peter and Kathryn Sebastian. He grew up in Downers Grove, IL along with his siblings: Pete, Nick, Paul and Maggie. He graduated from Downers Grove North in 1960 and was a graduate of DeVry University.

On a blind date he met his future wife, Marilynn Melka, and they were married January 25, 1964. They spent the next 58 years together living in Aurora, IL, where they raised their family.

In 1969 Tom was hired by the City of Aurora as a Police Officer, a job that he loved and dedicated his life to.

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tom is his story telling. He was always good for one, two or three stories! If you ran into him, you knew what was in store and there was no escaping.

Tom was an Amateur Ham Radio Operator for many years. You could spot him a mile away driving down the road in his red pickup truck with the huge antenna that was on the back of the truck.

In his younger years he loved playing his guitar to the music of John Denver, Jim Croce and Johnny Cash. He was an avid fisherman and loved going to the Northwoods of Wisconsin with his best friend Ted Beck on fishing trips. A sports fan of all the Chicago teams, but had a special place in his heart for the Chicago Cubs. Most importantly, he loved his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his one true love, his wife, Marilynn; his children: Sharon (Bill) Meyer, Linda (Ron) Weihofen and Thomas Jr.; his grandchildren: Michael (Michelle) Meyer, Joey (Kelly) Meyer, Megan (Chayne) Johnnic, Jacob Meyer and Robert (Rebecca) Weihofen; his great-grandchildren: Ellie, Wade and Autumn Meyer, Lily Johnnic and another bundle of joy arriving in September; his brothers, Nick Sebastian and Paul (Dee) Sebastian; and his sister, Maggie Sebastian-Graves (Tim Graves). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, too many to name. Finally, he leaves behind his canine companion, Maddie, the world’s smallest dog.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Kathryn Sebastian; his aunt, Elizabeth Sebastian; his daughter, Marie (Adam) Meyer; and his brother, Peter (Nora) Sebastian.

A memorial service will be held at later date to celebrate Tom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name may be made to American Heart Association at: www.heart.org/en/affiliates/illinois/chicago

A special thank you to the Rush Copley ICU Nurses who took such great care of Tom, and the staff at Season’s Hospice in Naperville for making his final hours comfortable.

I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me, so put me on a boat headed out to sea.

Please send along my fishing pole for I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole.

Where everyday is a day to fish, to fill your heart with every wish.

Don’t worry, or feel sad for me, I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea.

We will miss each other for a while, but you will come and bring your smile.

That won’t be long you will see, till we’re together you and me.

To all of those that think of me, be happy as I go out to sea.

If others wonder why I’m missin’ just tell ‘em I’ve gone fishin’

-Delmar Pepper