Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Michael Cusack, age 79, of Plainfield, Illinois, and formerly a 45 year resident of Naperville, Illinois, passed away on July 9, 2026.
Tom was the beloved husband of 56 years to his wife and soulmate, the late Ruth Cusack. He was the devoted dad of Deanna Cusack of Fort Myers, Florida, and Ryan (Julie) Cusack of Oswego, Illinois. He was the adored grandpa of Logan Porter, Avery Cusack, and Emmett Cusack. Tom was the cherished brother of Marilyn Mahon (the late John Davis) of Edwardsburg, Michigan, Robert (Louise) Cusack of Frankfort, Illinois, and the late Kevin Cusack of Seattle, Washington. He was the loving son-in-law of the late Sam and Rose Portelli and the treasured brother-in-law of Phil (Lori) Portelli of Manhattan, Kansas, and John (Mardi Hudson) Portelli of Lena, Illinois. Tom was a dear uncle, a special cousin, and a friend to many.
Tom was born on May 8, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Robert and Irene (O’Connell) Cusack. A beloved son, he was proud to have been raised on Chicago’s South Side, just down the road from the Chicago White Sox stadium. The third of four children, Tom shared a close and lasting bond with his siblings.
He graduated from Mendel Catholic High School in 1964 before earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Tom enjoyed a rewarding 39 year career with International Motors (formerly Navistar International Corporation), retiring in 2007.
In 1965, Tom and Ruth were set up on a blind date by mutual friends, and Tom knew after only two weeks that Ruth was the one he was meant to be with for life. They were married in 1968 and shared 56 wonderful years together. Tom always said Ruth was “the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” They were truly best friends, and loved spending time together—whether surrounded by their extended family and friends or simply enjoying one another’s company. They loved traveling, especially to Italy, France, Mexico, Hawaii, Hilton Head, and Alaska. They enjoyed trying different restaurants together, but Tom’s favorite restaurant would always be Ruth’s kitchen. Tom and Ruth were such a great pair, that they also served as a mentor couple in the marriage preparatory ministry at Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church for many years.
Tom was a dedicated and loving father to his daughter and son, Deanna and Ryan. He especially cherished participating in activities with them, traveling together, coaching their sports teams when they were young, and supporting them in all that they pursued. When Ryan and Julie were married, Tom welcomed Julie as a daughter, and they shared a close relationship. Family was at the heart of Tom’s life and he considered being a husband, father, and grandfather his greatest privilege.
Tom’s grandchildren, Logan, Avery, and Emmett, brought him endless joy. He treasured his time with them—reading books together, playing games, teaching them chess, making them laugh, and proudly attending all their sporting events and performances. Tom loved his family with his whole heart and soul, and he made sure they always knew how deeply they were loved.
Tom’s faith was the foundation and guiding force of his life. He and Ruth were proud founding members of Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Naperville, where he served as a lector at Mass for many years. Tom was also actively involved in the Catholic Cursillo community for more than 40 years and found great purpose in serving as a faith mentor.
Tom cared deeply about others and helping those in need was an important part of his life. He volunteered with his parish’s conference of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and enjoyed handling their accounting. Tom was also a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. He put his faith into action through service and compassion.
Tom’s life was a testament to the words of Romans 12:10, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” He was steadfast in his selfless devotion to his family and his faith, and he lived with tremendous integrity, character, and humility.
Tom’s blue eyes twinkled with kindness, and his easy smile welcomed everyone he met. He was a loyal friend, a gifted mathematician, and a lifelong learner. He began each morning the same way—enjoying a cup of black coffee while reading the newspaper from front to back. He loved playing on his adult softball team and enjoyed countless rounds of golf throughout his life. He was an avid reader, especially of mystery and crime novels, and was a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears.
Tom’s life was a gift to all who knew and loved him. His presence is deeply missed, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his beloved family and friends.
The visitation will be held Friday, July 24, from 3:30-7:30 pm at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home, 44 S. Mill Street, Naperville, Illinois. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 am at Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 2220 Lisson Road, Naperville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, Tom would be honored to have memorial donations in his name gifted to Saint Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Naperville, with a designation for the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
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