Tom Roddy's Last Wishes
Donation protected
Thomas Daniel Roddy was born March 8th, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio. He died early on Wednesday morning, after a night surrounded by nine spiritual companions who were singing, praying and reading the Psalms. This was one of Tom's last wishes. Another of his wishes was to have a memorial service with jazz, good food, and storytelling by his friends. He also wanted his ashes scattered in Lake Michigan near Burnham Harbor, where he used to race sail boats.
In his prime, Tom was a journalist and a public relations man in Chicago, IL. He was married to Betty Weld in 1960. He adopted her 6 children and they had three more children together. Tom was a long time member of Reba Place Church in Evanston, IL, was active in the Catholic Worker movement and had many dear friends around Chicago. Tom defined his life in terms of friends, books and music. One of his great joys was his daily routine of reading and conversation at the Brother's K coffee shop and Sher-Main grill in Evanston. Anyone passing by Tom's apartment in the afternoon would be treated to some of the great artists of modern jazz coming through his windows.
Tom was rich in friendships and pursuit of his interests, but he lived a very simple life in terms of material possessions. The little money he has left in his account will go towards a number of bills that he incurred in his last several months. Funds raised by this campaign will help with the remainder of these bills and go to pay for funeral home services including cremation and for refreshments at his memorial service. Expenses are being handled by Tom's son, Gus Roddy. Any funds raised in excess of the goal will be donated to the various Catholic Worker homes that Tom supported.
Tom's memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 2pm at Reba Place Church located at 620 Madison St. Evanston, IL 60202.
In his prime, Tom was a journalist and a public relations man in Chicago, IL. He was married to Betty Weld in 1960. He adopted her 6 children and they had three more children together. Tom was a long time member of Reba Place Church in Evanston, IL, was active in the Catholic Worker movement and had many dear friends around Chicago. Tom defined his life in terms of friends, books and music. One of his great joys was his daily routine of reading and conversation at the Brother's K coffee shop and Sher-Main grill in Evanston. Anyone passing by Tom's apartment in the afternoon would be treated to some of the great artists of modern jazz coming through his windows.
Tom was rich in friendships and pursuit of his interests, but he lived a very simple life in terms of material possessions. The little money he has left in his account will go towards a number of bills that he incurred in his last several months. Funds raised by this campaign will help with the remainder of these bills and go to pay for funeral home services including cremation and for refreshments at his memorial service. Expenses are being handled by Tom's son, Gus Roddy. Any funds raised in excess of the goal will be donated to the various Catholic Worker homes that Tom supported.
Tom's memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 30th at 2pm at Reba Place Church located at 620 Madison St. Evanston, IL 60202.
Organizer
Gus Roddy
Organizer
Evanston, IL
