Thomas M. Tomasic, a dedicated educator and immigrant who profoundly impacted thousands of students during his lengthy teaching career, passed away peacefully on September 16 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was 99 years old.
Born Tomas Mirko Tomasić in 1927, Tomasic spent his early years in Hreljin, a coastal town in Croatia. At the age of 11, he emigrated to the United States with his mother to reunite with his father in Chicago. Their journey involved travel by train through Nazi Germany to Cherbourg, France, before boarding the Queen Mary bound for New York.
Tomasic attended Passer Elementary and Taft High School in Chicago, where he developed his English language skills informally by watching movies, often sneaking into theaters through side entrances. This early exposure to film storytelling influenced his lifelong appreciation for narrative and ethical lessons.
In 1944, while still in high school, Tomasic was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He later trained as a pilot in the Air Force in Florida and served as a B-25 crew chief. Following his military service, he pursued higher education under the GI Bill. Initially enrolling at DePaul University for business courses, he struggled to find his path. He later attended St. Vincent’s seminary college in Missouri before returning to Chicago area institutions, including DePaul and Northeastern Illinois universities, to study history and philosophy.
Tomasic devoted much of his life to public education, teaching at Loyola Academy and Marshall High School before returning to Taft High School, where he taught for 30 years. His commitment extended beyond the classroom as an active teachers union representative, known for hosting lively gatherings at his home during striking periods. He described his life as a “solid working-class” existence anchored in education.
In 1961, Tomasic married Mary Frances “Franny” Schroeder, a former Catholic nun. The couple had six children and built a family life centered on close relationships and storytelling, with Tomasic known for his distinctive low voice and dramatic flair. Described by family as warm and forgiving, he emphasized hard work and seizing opportunities, embodying the immigrant ethos of dedication and resilience.
Tomasic is survived by his sister, E. Ann Tomasic; six children—Paul (Jennifer Hausheer), Donna Leding, John, Nancy (Christopher) Marino, Therese Marie (Patrick) Ormond, and Steven (Kate); 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
His lying-in-state will be held on Saturday, September 26, at 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Chicago. Burial will take place at Maryhill Cemetery. Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to donate to Catholic Charities USA or the National Immigration Law Center. Funeral arrangements are available through Kolbus May Funeral Home.