Thomas J. Guilfoile

Thomas J. Guilfoile passed away on November 16, 2024. He was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on September 29, 1934, the son of Walter and Leota Guilfoile. He had an older brother Bill, his close friend and mentor. Tom married the love of his life, Jeanne Richter in 1957. They were married for 63 years until Jeanne’s death in 2020, and she made every day of his life brighter. Tom was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Jeanne, his brother Bill, and a grandson, Kieran. He is survived by his sons Michael (Judy) of Fond du Lac; Patrick (Audrey) of Sequim, Washington; James (Julie) of Perth, Western Australia; and Timothy (Kate), Milwaukee. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Steven, Forrest, Connor, Eamon, Neve, Sam, and Tess. As a youth, Tom competed in the sport of archery, winning six Wisconsin State Archery championships, as well as a second-place finish in the National Archery Championships. A graduate of St. Mary's Springs High School, Tom attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating cum laude in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. He played on the varsity tennis team at Notre Dame and was a member of the Notre Dame Monogram Club. Serving for six years in the U.S. Army Reserve, he was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Tom worked for several years as a copy writer for an advertising agency in Milwaukee, and Jeanne worked as a Registered Nurse. They returned to Fond du Lac in 1960, where Tom joined his father and began his 43-year career with Guilfoile Insurance Agency. Professionally, Tom received his CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation, as well as his CPCU (Chartered Property and Casualty) designation. He was a past president of the Wis. Association of Health Underwriters, and served as the agent member of the Board of Directors of Time Insurance Company. He also served on several insurance company Agents Advisory Councils. Involved in a variety of community activities, Tom served for four years on the Marian College Board of Directors, and as Board Chairman in 1983-84. He was a member of Fond du Lac Noon Rotary for over 46 years, and was Rotary president in 1996-97. He was a past president of the Fond du Lac Serra Club, a past president of Friends of the Library, and served as a board member of St. Francis Home and the Fond du Lac Association of Commerce. He chaired several fund-raising activities, including eight years as Chairman of Irish-American Night at Marian College. He managed Boys Baseball teams for nine years and volunteered in various church capacities and at St. Vincent de Paul Society. Tom received an honorary Paul Harris Award from Rotary, and was a life member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed free-lance writing and in addition to several published short stories and feature articles, he also self-published several books. Tom loved his God, his family, his country, his friends, Irish humor and the University of Notre Dame. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a wonderful husband and father. VISITATION: Friends may call from 9:00 – 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac. SERVICE: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Holy Family Parish. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Reception at Avenue 795 after the burial. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Springs or to Fond du Lac Area Foundation.

Thomas J. Guilfoile

September 29, 1934 - November 16, 2024