Thomas James Aquinas Dwyer, 84, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on May 29, 2020, after a battle with cancer. He was the proprietor of Grandpa’s Place in both Glenview and on the West Side of Chicago. In that capacity, he made many friends and affected numerous lives with his kindness and generosity.
Born on March 6, 1936, he engaged in various endeavors before he settled on his life as a saloon keeper. He enjoyed a good cocktail and a round of golf, and in 2019, recorded a hole-in-one at the 8th hole at Flagg Creek Golf Course. His last 14 years were spent in Oak Park, where he had many friends, and where he enjoyed membership in the “150” Club. He was a devout member of St. Edmund Catholic Church where he generously volunteered.
Tom Dwyer was the father of Marguerite (“Peggy”) Sutton, Timothy (Liliana) Dwyer, Julie (Thomas) Tuten, and Thomas Joseph Dwyer, and the former husband of Mary M. Dwyer. He was the grandfather of nine God-given bonuses in life: Erin Marguerite, Sam Dwyer; Thomas Max, Marguerite “Maggie” and Jesse Luke Tuten; Tyler Simpson, Teigan, Riley Jake and Grace Dwyer; and great-grandfather to Aubrey Doll. All of them gave life and true meaning to the name of the fine establishment called “Grandpa’s Place.” He was also the brother of John Dwyer (Mary Lou, nee Kurtz, and the late Kay, nee Arado) and Mary Virginia “Ginny” (the late Tom) McManus. He was predeceased by his parents, Martin “Matt” and Marguerite Dwyer, three brothers, Martin J. “Jay”, William M. “Bill” (the late Nora, nee Millette), Robert David Dwyer, and his sister, Barbara Dwyer (the late Jerry) Tarzon. He was the uncle and great-uncle of many loving nephews and nieces, and was the fortunate friend of many great people who gave love and support along Tom’s long and rewarding travels in life.
Given the current situation, there will be no public wake or funeral service, which is ironic. Due to the many friends and acquaintances he made through the tavern business, and living to the ripe age of 84, he attended thousands of funeral services. The family intends to have a memorial service at a later date.
Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy (Misericordia.com) or National Religious Retirement Office, 3211 4 St. NE, Washington, DC 20017.
Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
