Thomas "Tom" G Zimmerman
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Tom's obituary
Tom's information below is on Hippensteel's website. I wanted to create a venue for friends to share memories and photos and this is just a start.
July 16, 1943 An Angel sent to Walk Among us
July 29, 2025 Welcomed to the Heavenly Host
Thomas G. Zimmerman, 82, of Chicago, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Illinois Masonic Hospital, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on July 16, 1943, in Chicago, Tom was the son of the late George Conrad and Elizabeth Anne (Lakowski) Zimmerman. He lived a life defined by deep curiosity, quiet dedication, and a generous spirit.
As a young man, Tom felt a calling to serve and entered the seminary with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. He completed high school in Geneva, Illinois, and pursued undergraduate studies in Shelby and Youngstown, Ohio. His early years included teaching and pastoral ministry in Mansfield, Ohio, experiences that would lay the foundation for his lifelong dedication to education and service.
Tom earned a master’s degree in theology from Mundelein College at Loyola University Chicago. He went on to teach at St. Scholastica High School in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. A gifted communicator and educator, he authored instructional manuals for secondary religious studies teachers. Tom later transitioned into a career in educational publishing, working in sales and leadership roles with Brown Publishing in Dubuque, Loyola University Press in Chicago, and Pearson Education in London. He retired from Pearson in 2007 as a District Sales Manager.
Tom’s interests were as wide-ranging as they were deep. He was a passionate HAM radio operator and held the call sign W9TTY, which also appeared on his Illinois license plate. Through his involvement with the Chicago West Suburban Radio Association and the American Radio Relay League, Tom made countless connections across the country and around the world.
Deeply committed to community and conservation, Tom was a proud member of the Lincoln Park Zoo Heritage Society and volunteered for over a decade in scientific research at the Lincoln Park Zoo, including data collection on West Nile Virus and animal behavioral studies tied to the Serengeti. He was also a member of The University of Chicago Phoenix Society, reflecting his enduring support for education and research.
Tom embraced a healthy and active lifestyle. A dedicated swimmer and fitness enthusiast, he was a familiar face at the NEIU facilities and Chicago Park District pools. For many years, he ran in local 5Ks, including the Shamrock Shuffle, Lincolnwood Turkey Trot, and Run for the Zoo, showcasing both his energy and his community spirit.
On October 14, 1995, Tom married Sherry Blell in Chicago. Their nearly 30 years of marriage were filled with love, shared passions, and mutual encouragement. Sherry survives him.
Tom is also survived by his siblings Mary Clark, Peter Zimmerman and his wife Katy Harington, and Margaret Yamin and her husband George. He leaves behind his nephew Anthony Clark, and nieces Elizabeth Clark-Wood, Rose Yamin, and Alina Yamin. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Anne Zimmerman and Paul Zimmerman.
A private green burial will be held at Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette, Indiana, on Monday, August 4 at 2:00 p.m. (EST). A celebration of Tom’s life will take place in Chicago at a later date.
In remembrance of Tom, friends and family are invited to share memories and messages of condolence at www.hippensteelfuneralservice… or on this personal site.
Tom will be remembered as a loving husband, a devoted brother and uncle, and a friend who found purpose in connection, learning, and service.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s legacy may be honored through donations to causes close to his heart:
• Youth on the Air – A dynamic program for young amateur radio operators in the Americas. → https://youthontheair.org/don…
• Odyssey Scholarship Program at the University of Chicago – Supporting students from underserved backgrounds in the physical sciences, especially astrophysics. → https://odyssey.uchicago.edu/
• Lincoln Park Zoo Education Programs – Helping children learn to appreciate misunderstood animals such as bats and snakes. → https://www.lpzoo.org/resourc…
• Illinois Audubon Society: https://illinoisaudubon.org/d…
Thank you for celebrating Tom’s life by supporting the work he loved.
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