RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Thomas C. Looney has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 81; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Tom is survived by his wife, Bridget Ellen ("Breege"), his children, Thomas, Patrick (Deirdre), Siobhan Carroll (Timothy) and Deirdre Reardon (Richard), and his grandchildren, Liam, Ciaran, Norah, Ryan, Shane, Ronan, Saoirse and Mairead; and
WHEREAS, The youngest of seven children, Tom grew up in the Irish Village of Ballycashen in the town of Kilnaboy in County Clare; and
WHEREAS, In 1960, Tom immigrated to the United States and was drafted into the Army; and
WHEREAS, In 1966, Tom married his wife, Breege; and
WHEREAS, Tom was an electrician by trade and invested in real estate; and
WHEREAS, In the mid-1980's, Tom and Breege became the landlords for the Abbey Pub, and after the bar's owner became ill the couple took over expanding and upgrading the space; and
WHEREAS, During the 30 years of operating the Abbey, it hosted performances by established musicians; and
WHEREAS, Tom took on the role of President of the Irish American Heritage Center, and helped acquire its building at 4626 N. Knox Ave in the mid-1980's; and
WHEREAS, Tom became the best leader and supporter one could ever have for any Irish cause, whether it be a benefit, music, dance, sports, immigration, or Irish culture; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, Thomas C. Looney imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, assembled this twentieth day of July, 2022, do hereby commemorate Thomas C. Looney for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and