Thomas Patrick Hardy
Thomas P. Hardy, 72, of Hinsdale passed away on March 27, 2025, after a brief illness. He was raised in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, graduating from Brother Rice High School and later from Ripon College, Wisconsin, where he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He continued his education at Northwestern University where he graduated from the Medill School of Journalism.
Tom had a long, distinguished career in journalism, government and public affairs. He had recently retired after serving for nearly two decades as the chief spokesman and Executive Director of the Office of University Relation for the University of Illinois. Tom began his career in journalism at the Chicago Tribune first as a copy clerk and later as a political writer and columnist where his work included traveling with candidates to cover three presidential campaigns and serving as a frequent analyst for public affairs programming on WGN-TV and WTTW-TV. After two decades at the Tribune, Tom served as Press Secretary for then Illinois Governor Jim Edgar. Tom later was a managing director of public affairs for Burson-Marsteller, a global public relations firm, before joining the University of Illinois.
An athletic man, he enjoyed playing soccer and racquetball and loved snow skiing, often with his father, siblings, and two sons, and was a sought-after partner for golf tournaments. An unpretentious and generous man, he was easy going with a great sense of humor and a big smile to match.
He leaves behind his loving fiancée Suzanne Schoij of Hinsdale; two sons whom he adored, Kevin Thomas (Kate) and Brian Patrick; two granddaughters, Clare and Nora; four siblings Christine Ann Hardy (Tim Cornillie), Steven Michael (Terry), Cathlyn Jane (Steve) Kroml and Brian Richard (Ellen); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Genevieve Hardy (nee Woulfe) and Richard (Dick) T. Hardy Jr. Tom will be deeply missed by many, especially by Jan Hall and Ted Mladenoff.
Visitation is from 3 to 9pm on Tuesday, April 1st at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, where a Funeral Service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, April 2nd. Interment to follow at Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family invites you to consider making a donation in support of journalism education at the University of Illinois College of Media (https://payment.giving.illinois.edu/campaigns/49421/donations/).
For Service Info: 708-352-6500
Tom was a great individual. Tom was a freshman on my floor at Ripon. We both played football together and both pledged Phi Delta Theta. Tom was a great “brother” and wore a smile wherever he went! My favorite story about Tom is he borrowed my car to go see a girl friend at NIU. When he returned Sunday night, he parked my car facing west. That night the temperature with the wind chill was 77 degrees below zero! When I went to start the car Monday morning all I got was click click. Love you and miss you Tom!
Our deepest sympathy. We are sorry for your loss.
Tom was a wonderful man and we enjoyed his company very much.
We were honored to know him.
May he now rest in peace.
Tom was a wry and fine boss. I was interim and conducted the search that brought him to the U of I. I called him at Burson and urged him to apply; he was an eager candidate and the then system president and board were thrilled we brought him in. He was a master of funny expressions, like “I’ll think I’ll ankle over to see Jim,” meaning walk; or we’d have a call at “dawn o’clock.” I’m stunned at his death. And sorry for his family.
Tom was a first-rate jounalist who became a good friend and colleague. I will miss him.
I didn’t know Tom all that well but that my cousin Sue cherished and adored him says it all. Heart breaking, so sad.
My deep sympathies to Tom’s loved ones. I always enjoyed covering politics and government alongside him and talking with him on WTTW’s public affairs shows.
During his stint at the U of I, Tom was my best friend at work. His office in Chicago was steps away from mine, and there were days when I was in there 5-6 times. Tom is the kind of colleague you are lucky to have: bright, good-natured, thoughtful, and extremely generous with his time. Because we shared the same first name, to some he became “Big Tom” and I was “Little Tom.” I was just fine with that moniker. He made me a better thinker, a far better writer, and a better person. I miss him more than I can say. Rest in peace, my good friend. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and his family.