Thomas Edward White Jr.

Thomas “Tom” Edward White, Jr. of Lombard, Illinois died peacefully in hospital on Wednesday morning, August 2. He was the beloved husband of Colleen Ann White née Dullard; loving and proud father of Margaret “Maggie” Ann, Elizabeth “Beth” Jane and Thomas “Tommy” Edward White III; fond brother of Ann Marie White; caring son-in-law of Margaret “Peggy” Dullard née Byrne; nephew of Jack and Mary Ann Byrnes; cousin, brother-in-law and uncle of many. Tom was preceded in death by his dear and devoted parents, the late Thomas Edward and Ann Theresa White née Byrnes as well as many treasured aunts, uncles and cousins.
Tom was born in Savannah, Georgia on January 21, 1961. His sister, Ann Marie and he were tremendously blessed to have Ann and Tom White as their parents. They were raised to value their faith, family, friends and their Irish heritage, as well as the importance of hard work. Tom especially cherished all the memories shared with both sides of his extended family over the years. He was a competitor who participated in multiple sports including basketball, swimming and football during grade school (St. James), high school (BC ’79) and college (UGA ’84). His favorite sport was football and he was deeply honored to be a member of the 1980 University of Georgia National Championship team. Until the very end, he was a proud Georgia Dawg.
Most of Tom’s career was spent in the steel industry. Getting results and building relationships with his customers, suppliers, coworkers, and industry colleagues were of the utmost importance to him. He took the time to truly get to know people. Tom valued all those who mentored him throughout his career; those who shared their industry experience/knowledge with him; and especially those who worked closely with him as a teammate.
Being a devoted, caring husband and father came naturally to Tom because he had an amazing father as a role model. There was nothing Tom wouldn’t do for his wife and children. Watching his kids grow and succeed in life brought him tremendous pride. He was immensely proud that Maggie became an excellent nurse, following in both her maternal and paternal grandmothers’ footsteps. He was thrilled that Beth chose his alma mater, the University of Georgia to pursue an international business degree. Lastly, he thoroughly enjoyed having a namesake who shared a keen interest in sports. Tom loved cheering with Tommy for their favorite teams whether in the stands or on TV. He liked watching Tommy participate in multiple sports just like he did when he was young. For almost 26 years, he took his vows and commitment to Colleen very seriously and credited her for being the rock and heart of the family. Truthfully, that was really something they shared every step of the way and did for each other when needed.
Tom might have spent his adult life away from Savannah due to his career but there was no place like home. His mouth watered for his mama’s wonderful specialties like her red rice and chicken salad and his daddy’s grits, fried shrimp and grilled chicken. The Christmas sing-alongs at his childhood home with aunts, uncles and cousins were always a favorite. Putting on his green blazer to walk with his dad in St. Patrick’s Day parades while pushing his children in a stroller along the route; later joining family in the squares; and ending the day at the Hibernian Banquet were all so important to him. Walking along River Street and watching the tugboats and container ships come down the river were “must do” activities every time he came home. Most of all, he loved his Tybee time especially around the 4th of July when he’d see so many family members and fellow Savannahians. He could stare at the ocean and listen to its sounds for hours. For that reason, he is coming home to rest in peace in “the Ireland of this land”.
Tom’s life ended much too soon but we know that no one fought harder to remain in all our lives. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the doctors, nurses, residents, aides, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and cleaning staff at Advocate Christ Medical Center and the cancer treatment facilities who showed genuine care and concern for Tom this year. Their dedication, kindness, and compassion towards our family will always be a part of our final memories with him. We would also like to thank all the family, friends, and work associates who supported us during this difficult time.
The Rosary will be held at 6 o'clock Friday evening, August 11, 2023, at Gamble Funeral Service - 410 Stephenson Avenue, with the family receiving friends after the Rosary until 8 o'clock.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, August 12, 2023, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist conducted by Monsignor J. Gerard Schreck. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.