Dear Caring Bridge Friends,

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all your love and support over these past 5 months.  Tom read all of your comments and felt all of your prayers.   They lifted his spirits even through times of struggle.     As you know, Thomas (Tom) Piha Sr., my husband of nearly 39 years, passed away one week ago (7.27.2022)   after a 5 month epic battle with cancer.  He fought hard to stay with those he loved on earth, but at the same time, was at peace with the plan God had for him.   He was a wonderful man- thoughtful, kind and generous.   He had a strong faith, and deep love and appreciation for his family and many friends.   He was born on May 18th, 1959 in Berwyn IL.  Tom was the son of Don and Jackie Piha, and the third of four children.     Tom was proud of his Berwyn roots and 100% Bohemian lineage.    He was a natural athlete playing many sports throughout his youth.   He attended SIU Carbondale where we met.  Tom was a 4 year started as nose guard on the SIU Football team.   During his SIU tenure, Tom won many athletic awards and the heart of his future wife - me!     We lived in IL when first married, moved to NE Ohio for 5 years due to a job transfer, then moved back to IL to be close to our families.   We have lived on Country Lakes Drive in Longwood/Country Lakes subdivision for over 30 years.   Tom was a beloved father to: Joshua (wife-Annette) Piha; Thomas Piha Jr.,  and Christine (husband-Jacob) Warren.  He was also a proud Grandpa “Pop Pop”  to our four amazing grandchildren:   Archer,  Lillian, Linus, and Callista.  In addition to his family, he was blessed with many great friends and was an inspiration to many.  Although he regularly attended Mass throughout his life and we have been longtime members of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville -- his faith grew even stronger as he grew older.  Over the course of Tom’s life he worked for a number of companies, but he saved the best for last.  For the past 20 years he worked for Apco Packaging Company and we consider Apco our second family. 

All who knew Tom or want to support the Piha family- are invited to join us for a Memorial Mass in Tom’s honor THIS Saturday at 10:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville, IL.  The address of the church is:  1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL. Immediately following the mass we are having a  PARTY in Tom’s honor-  Piha style.     The Life Celebration is less than 5 miles from the church service.  Directions to the Celebration will be handed out at the Mass.    If you dress up for church, please bring CASUAL clothes to wear at the celebration.  Please wear what TOM wore- he was usually found in shorts and flipflops.     There is an in-ground pool- so bring a suit and towel if you want to enjoy the pool.  There will be lots of food and beverage choices- as well activities:   bags / washers / ladderball etc.     Please share stories and memories of Tom.  We will be playing his favorite music as well.   If you stay until dusk, we will have a bonfire and more than likely at least a person or two will play guitar.   😊    If you are unable to attend the church service but would like to join us during the day for the celebration, please email me at:   wendypiha@gmail.com   for directions.  

We would love to read YOUR stories and memories of Tom, and see any pictures you have -  please post/upload to Tom’s memorial page:  https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/BWQx4pS7  

Love,    Wendy  and the Piha family