Thomas Gerros
Athanasios Gerros, better known to his loved ones as Tom Gerros, was born in Thessaloniki, Greece on July 10, 1942. Tom immigrated to the United States from his beloved Greece as a ninety-seven (97) pound teenager with limited resources and less English speaking ability. The things he lacked were quickly overshadowed with grit, dedication and pursuit of a better future. Tom built a legacy grounded in God, family, and hard work that will live long beyond his death.
When Tom arrived to the United States, he and his father worked together in the restaurant business. In 1968, his father, Vasilios Gerros, hired a fiery young red headed college student named Marguerite Reilly to work as a waitress. That decision would change Tom’s life forever. Vasilios could have never known at the time, but Tom and Marguerite would build a beautiful life together. Tom would frequently retell the story to his sons of the first time he saw Margie. Tom said he noticed a beautiful young waitress, sitting with her feet up on a chair, drinking a coffee, and he knew he was in love. Margie would later become the rock in Tom’s life and they dedicated their lives to one another.
In 1976, Tom and Margie married and began their lives as one. Margie grew a career as a teacher in the Chicago Catholic grade schools and Tom continued to work in restaurants, sometimes as a cook and other times as the owner. Tom and Margie would go on to have five wonderful sons together.
Together, Tom and Margie built a family based on faith, love and unity. Tom was the most loving and dedicated father to his five sons and five daughters-in-law. Tom blazed a path for his sons to follow. Tom passed away surrounded by his family at his side. The family is overwhelmed with gratitude to have had him as their father and will carry out his legacy for generations to come.
Thomas Gerros, 83, of Chicago passed away on October 21, 2025. Beloved husband of Marguerite, nee Reilly. Loving father to Gavin (Elizabeth), Matthew (Jessica), James (Erica), Mark (Caitlyn) and Nicholas (Pamela). Cherished Papou of Gavin, Galilea, Emilia, Vasilios, Lorenzo, Sebastian, Thomas, Grace, Madeleine, Theodore, Dominic, Henry, William, Lena, Catherine, Alexandros and soon to be arriving Dorothea. Dear son of the late Vasilios and Katie. Tom will be missed by many friends and family. Sunday, October 26 visitation from 2-7pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N Cicero Ave., Chicago IL 60646. Chapel prayers Monday, October 27, at 9am at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home and processing to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for a funeral mass at 10am. A live stream of the mass can be viewed here. Interment All Saints Cemetery.