Thomas Paspalas

Thomas Paspalas, age 101 ½ of Chicago, IL (via New York), passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025, under the watchful gaze of his loving bride of 72 years, Jean (Godelas).

Tom was the loving and caring father of A. Thomas, Helen (Ken Rubenstein), and Themis (Julia). Cherished Pappou to Chelsea and Luke Paspalas, Kyle Rubenstein, Cydney (Maxim), Thor, Aleah and Zaylee Vogen. Special Pappou to Moses Manolakis Rubenstein. Beloved son of the late Helen (Magias) and Athanasios Paspalas of Thraki, Greece. Adored brother of the late Mary (the late Sam) Sotirios and the late Effie (the late George) Sideropoulos. Fond brother-in-law of the late Peter, Sam and Angela Godelas. Proud “Uncle Tommy” to his New York nieces and nephews.

Tom was born February 11, 1924, and raised in New York. He attended the Greek American Institute in the Bronx. He played stickball, baseball and basketball in the streets. As captain, he was selected to the Coaches All New York City H.S. Football Team. But he was also a diehard NY Yankees fan, and was in attendance at Lou Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” speech at Yankee Stadium in 1939.

Following high school graduation, Tom served in the U.S. Marine Corps, flying B-25 PBJs, as a Navigator Bombadier during World War II in the South Pacific. He completed 54 combat missions and was awarded 9 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Upon discharge as a Second Lieutenant, Tom then enrolled and graduated from Yale University, along with former President George H.W. Bush and William Clay Ford.

He was a “salesman extraordinaire” for various industrial paint companies when he moved to Chicago. There he married the true love of his life, Jean. They were each other’s best friends and lovingly devoted. And they never failed to sing or dance to their song, Tony Bennett’s “Because of You.”

Tom actively pursued his career hobby of officiating football and basketball, with a little baseball mixed in. Tom coached and officiated football and basketball in various public and Catholic high school and college leagues. He was a Big Ten football referee for 17 years, and was inducted into the Central Officials Assn. Hall of Fame. Tom was an active Hall of Fame member of the NHIBT (National Hellenic Invitational Basketball Tournament), promoting basketball for Greek youth. He would actively seek out individuals of Greek descent, encouraging and developing their interests in many areas.

In 1982, Tom and Jean became the proprietors, along with their children, of Jean’s family business, the Athenian Candle Co., located in GreekTown Chicago. Now into its fourth generation, it is the oldest original GreekTown business still in operation. He was in his element, enthusiastically representing the business to local and nationwide customers. And until recently, Tom and Jean still popped into the store and “worked.”

Tom was very active in his Greek Orthodox faith. He was a long time Parish Council member of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Chicago, serving as President for four years. He is a 70 year member of the Order of AHEPA, and a 62 year member of the Medinah Shriners.

Tom participated in the Honor Flight Chicago excursion to Washington, DC, along with his fellow WWII veterans. Tom was also honored as “Hero of the Game” by the Chicago White Sox at the Sox/Cubs Crosstown Classic in 2019. It was a packed stadium, and he was amazed at the adulation he received by the crowds in appreciation of his military service. Tom proudly wore his Marine Corps cap daily, and never removed the sales tag. When anyone thanked him for his service, he would always reply with a smile, “Thank you for your support.”

Tom loved his family and friends. Everybody knew how generous and sweet “Mr. P.” was. To each baby or toddler he met, he never hesitated to slip a silver dollar or $20 bill into their hands. We will think of him affectionately every time we order his favorite, a hot dog from Costco or Wolfy’s. At 101.5 years of age, his was a life well lived.

Visitation Monday, August 25, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. All to meet Tuesday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2727 W. Winona, Chicago from 11:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:30 a.m. Interment Elmwood Cemetery. Memorial donations to: St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church-Chicago, or www.honorflightchicago.org. For info 773-736-3833