Thomas M. Fencl, 53, born August 9, 1966, lifelong resident of Chicago, IL, died April 5, 2020 at his home.  Devoted husband of nearly 28 years to the love of his life, Mary (nee Sweetwood); beloved father of Emma, Grace, Lillian and Dennis; adored son of Dennis A. Fencl and Lora (nee Tillman); cherished brother of Matthew (Tammy) and Denise (Jesse) Garbison; extraordinary uncle to many nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Funcl.”

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Tom graduated from John F. Kennedy High School (Chicago), and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University and his MBA from DePaul University.  He was an accomplished real estate broker, developer, and investor and successfully owned and operated a portfolio of commercial and residential properties across the Chicago metropolitan area.

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Tom dedicated many of his hours to his local community, serving in various board member positions on the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, as a commissioner for a Special Service Area, co-chaired Northcenter Rib Fest multiple years, and also worked with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce as well as the Ravenswood Community Council.  He was honored with the Businessperson of the Year Award by the Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation in 2016 and the Peter Kattner Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northcenter Chamber in 2019.  He was an entrepreneur as well as a visionary, rescuing and renovating a local landmark, the Davis Theater.  The restoration of the Davis Theater received the 2018 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation.

Most importantly, Tom was a devoted father to his four children. He loved spending time as an assistant coach of DJ’s baseball teams and as scorekeeper of his hockey games. Before his illness, he was the Loyola Academy Chuckwagon Master for Lily’s rowing team. He was a die-hard Cubs fan; a season ticket holder for much of his life, he attended all seven of the 2016 World Series games.  His adventurous spirit and energy were undeniably contagious. He was an avid fisherman, confident bowler, enthusiastic golfer, planner of epic Las Vegas trips and vacations, spontaneous traveler, and delighted in including others on his escapades. He was a mentor and role model to many, the life of every party, and an incredible storyteller with an infectious spirit for fun. He had the uncanny ability to befriend everyone that crossed his path and could make an ordinary day extraordinary. His loss is felt deeply by many; it is difficult to imagine a world without Tom’s charisma, extravagant plans, legendary entertainment, and big heart.