Thomas Joseph Konieczny, age 81, of Belleville, IL, passed away on August 6, 2024.
He was born in East St. Louis, IL. Preceded in death by his father, Stanley Joseph Konieczny, his mother Stella Delores (Panek) Konieczny and Aunt Stephanie Czerminski.
Tom was a 1961 graduate of Assumption High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years. In 2006, after 30 years of service, he retired from the Defense Mapping Agency in St. Louis, where he worked as a Computer Specialist.
Tom was a devoted and loving brother to his sister, Joanne Lockwood, for 40 years after the death of her husband.
He is survived by his sister, Joanne, of Fairview Heights, IL, nieces, Pamela (Darwin) Miles of Belleville, IL, and Elissa (Steve) Hamburg of Fenton, MO, nephew, Richard D. (Monte) Lockwood of Poway, CA. Also surviving are his great niece, Tara (Ryan) Powers of Troy, IL, great nephew Brock (Kaitlyn, fiance) Hamburg, great niece, Lexi Hamburg, great nephew, Nicholas Lockwood, great nieces, Natalie and Nina Lockwood and two great great nephews, Camden Edward and Carson Thomas Powers.
Tom was a railroad, streetcar, trolley and rapid transit systems enthusiast. He belonged to The St. Louis Railway Enthusiasts Club and was a volunteer at the Midwest Old Settlers and Threshers Association in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, for many years. Tom enjoyed traveling and made it to all 50 states. In an RV, he drove 2200 miles of the Alaskan Highway System several times. In addition, Tom traveled to Italy, England, and Australia. He was especially proud that he had completed his long-awaited visit to the Vatican. In mid-life, Tom took up downhill skiing and encouraged the rest of the family to join him in this new adventure. Several family vacation ski trips followed to Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
Memorials may be made to St. Adalbert Cemetery or The American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., 9900 Saint Clair Ave., Fairview Heights, IL.
Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Stanley Konieczny officiating (no relation).
