Daniel Bernard Thom

Daniel Bernard Thom (1929-2021) was born to Harold and Mabel Sullivan Thom of Joliet Illinois. Dan graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1947 and then enrolled in Joliet Junior College, studying premed courses. By 1951, the Korean War was underway, and he enlisted in the Air Force and trained as a pilot to fly F-86 jets and served in the Air Force Reserves until 1957. Dan married Shirley M. Kostelz.  In 1958 Dan received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois Champagne-Urbana. He and Shirley lived in Phoenix and then Albuquerque until his death in 2021.

Throughout his life Daniel was a dedicated husband, father, and devout Catholic.
He will be remembered for his warm and charismatic personality. As a handsome, energetic, and patriotic leader, he was always positive and achievement oriented.
A keen observer, he offered sharp insight and strategic analysis for any situation. He always had a sense of humor, and proudly celebrated his Irish lineage.

A dedicated father, family was most important to him. He dearly loved his wife and children and enjoyed providing the best for them.  Always eager to share in his children’s lives, he loved to ski, golf, fish, camp and attend sports events at every opportunity with them.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 67 years, Shirley Thom, and children Cynthia, Lynne, Carleen (Stephen), Paul, and Hal; grandchildren Lindsay and Jackson; siblings Gerry (Maggie) and Jacquie; nieces Anne, Susan (William) and nephew George (Jeannette); nieces Liz (Jay), Theresa, and Bridget, nephew Tim (Barbara); and niece Katie (Dean) and nephew Michael (Corina).

Rosary will be recited on Monday, April 5, 2021, 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 4020 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am. All are welcomed to attend.

Dan’s favorite Gaelic Blessing:

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun be always upon your face.

The rains fall soft upon your fields
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.