Thomas W. Karon

Thomas W. Karon, born February 15, 1926, died September 20, 2021. Tom was the loving husband of Patricia Karon (nee Gibbons); beloved father and father-in-law of Nancy (Karl) Karon Schulz, James (Dana) Karon, Rachel (Jason) Karon Ford, David (Pavla) Karon; grandfather of Danielle (Colin) Schulz Foster, Sydney Karon, Alexis Karon, Dagny Karon and Dexy Karon; chosen father of Catherine Chinnock; blessed uncle to Francine (Edward) Glasberg Navakas, Lisa (Perry) Glasberg Margulis; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, in the USA, England, and Israel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Sonia Karon (Nee Weinbaum); and his sister Annette (Joseph) Karon Glasberg.

Tom lived a full life, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943, and served with honor. Upon his departure from the Army Air Corp, he attended Northwestern University. Tom Graduated in 1949, accomplishing one of his many goals.

Tom‘s success as an entrepreneur came from schooling, his creativity and desire for the next big thing, all with the support of his beloved wife, Patricia. Known for his generosity, Tom was always quick to share the fruits of his labor, and famous for never letting others pick up the tab for meals. His family knew his deeply loving side, spontaneously whisking Patricia away on romantic dates and being present and loving to his children.

A great lover of Chicago delis, Tom loved bagels, sailing, art, baseball, and traveling the world with Patricia. He sampled every local dish each country provided, from snake blood to the spiciest chilies. At home he always kept a jar of pickled herring at the ready.

He treasured lifelong friendships, including his best friend of over 60 years, Kenneth Benjamin. Tom loved company and was always the life of the party. If there wasn’t a party, he would create one, with a trusted stirred gin martini on the rocks with three pickled onions in his hand.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, and the lessons and experiences he so generously passed on to his children continue to live on as his legacy.

Services will be held privately for family.