Edward Thomas Rodgers

Edward Thomas Rodgers passed away peacefully on October 7th, 2023. Tom, as he was known, was born July 7, 1946, in Maywood, Illinois. His family lived for a brief time in South Bend, IN, before settling in Kettering, OH where Tom grew up. He moved back to Chicago to attend the University of Chicago where he graduated with a degree in History. While there, he met his loving wife, Jessica Tovrov. He and Jessica settled in Oak Park where they raised their family and lived the last 43 years.

Tom had an esteemed career as a real estate appraiser, including his independent practice as Altgeld Appraisal. Tom loved architecture and was active with several organizations devoted to preserving historic and architecturally significant buildings, including the Chicago Architecture Foundation, the Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust, and service on the Board of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy. For more than 20 years, he enjoyed giving architecture tours in Chicago and Oak Park. Tom had a passion for music (especially Schubert), Chicago and American history, and the Cubs.

Above all, Tom was devoted to his family, and is lovingly remembered by Jessica Tovrov, his wife of 47 years; his sons Aaron (Zita Brizzi) and Sam (Kate); his grandchildren Julian, Naomi, Isaac, Lawrence, and Ari; his sister Betty Rodgers Raimer (Daryl Raimer, deceased); sister-in-law Robin Kanarek; and nephews Daniel (Stacey) Tovrov and Jacob Tovrov. Tom was preceded in death by his sister Mary and parents Edward and Evelyn Rodgers.

Burial occurred at a private ceremony at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Forest Park. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 4, from 2 - 5 pm at the Carlton Hotel in Oak Park.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust (flwright.org) to the Thomas Rodgers Memorial Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnchicago.com for the Rodgers family.