Thomas B. Gilhooly

Tom was born in New York City and was the beloved son of Mary Gilhooly of New York and Thomas Gilhooly of Roscommon, Ireland. He was raised in the Bronx with his younger brother Robert. After graduating from Cardinal Hayes High school, he attended Iona College in New Rochelle and Brooklyn Poly Tech in New York, earning a degree in physics and a master’s degree in Civil Engineering, respectively. After college, Tom met the love of his life Marie at an Irish Dance, and they were married for 55 years.

Tom was a true friend, known for his quick wit and love of history, science, and the outdoors. He was a master storyteller and could speak on any subject, whether it be world history, science, or current events. With his New York accent, he held court at any dinner table telling stories of growing up in the city, how bridges are built, or providing historical background on current events. You would walk away from the table having learned something interesting and inspired to learn more. Tom was a lifelong traveler and learner. His home was filled with stacks of books, newspapers, and magazines. He couldn’t wait for Saturdays when The Economist and National Geographic would arrive.

Tom was a Civil Engineer for over 40 years. He worked at the Atomic Energy Commission in New York City and then spent 35 years working for the Southern California Gas Company in Los Angeles. A devout Catholic, he was actively involved in Our Lady of Guadalupe parish and participated in many church activities and organizations. He loved to play golf, waking up before dawn to meet his buddies for a 6:00 a.m. tee time.

Tom is deeply loved and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends, including his daughters Patricia, Eileen(Scott Storrs) , and Mary Kay; his son-in-law Ryan; his granddaughter Elizabeth; his sister and brother-in-law Judy and John Collins; and seven nieces and nephews (Eileen, Rori, Suzanne, Brian, Patricia, John, and Michael). He is in heaven now with his wife Marie, son Kevin, sister-in-law Kathleen, nephew Joey, brother Robert, his parents, and many, many friends. Heaven is having a parade and Tom Gilhooly is the Grand Marshal.

Nos aeternum te amabo Dad. (We will love you for all eternity Dad.)

A funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, La Habra, Monday, October 21, 2019 at 10:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church- Capital Campaign Project at https://www.olglahabra.org/capital-campaign-psa or The National Parks Foundation at https://www.nationalparks.org/support