Thomas Fahey

Thomas James Fahey "Poppy", 86, Structural Engineer, passed away at British Home/Cantata in Brookfield, IL on July 21, 2025. Born and raised on Chicago's Near West Side steps away from the old Cook County Hospital, Tom graduated from Oak Park High School and studied engineering at DePaul University. His successful career as an engineer included service at Oak Park Hospital, Michael Reese Hospital, and Lutheran General Hospital, ultimately retiring from Cook County Hospital. Tom and his first wife, Kathleen Fahey, raised their children in Oak Park and attended St. Giles Catholic Church. He later re-married Dolores Steen–Fahey, which included 20 years of retirement in Dunnellon, Florida. In Dunnellon, Tom enjoyed being on the boat and tending to the water while he was a “River Ranger”, a man with passion for the outdoors and nature. Tom was known for his storytelling, which he expressed with abundant exuberance and joy. He could bring his adventures to life with his spirited tales. Poppy embraced his love for food, travel, and merriment through many worldly excursions. Poppy’s soul is of the sea. He deeply cherished being on the open water, whether a white-water raft, a houseboat or a chartered fishing vessel. As a child, Poppy’s childhood was spent on the Mississippi River near Rock Island with his grandmother and extended family. His treasured memories of hopping on ferries, raising pet raccoons (Zip), and tending Grandma’s root beer stand. Poppy is made up of this mighty river. He will be fondly remembered as the Old Man of the Sea. Loving father of the late Sheila Planek and Maureen Fahey, Terry (Maureen) Fahey, Katie (Bill) Planek, and Jamie (Alfred) Fahey – Blea. Proud grandfather of Meghan, George Martin, Kathleen, Annie, William, Ryan, Lilli, Maeve, Conall, Kevin, Molly, Tabachin, and Kwana. Great grandfather of 8. Preceded in death by his parents James and Thelma (Irene) Fahey, and step-mother Helen Fahey. Brother of Patty Ann Gerino and Jack Fahey. Visitation Tuesday, July 29 from 9:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Giles Church, 1045 Columbian Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. Burial following Mass at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside, IL. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

Thomas Fahey

August 8, 1938 - July 21, 2025