Thomas J. Hogan

Thomas J. Hogan, Sr. 85, Rockford, died Monday, February 22, 2010 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a short illness. Tom was born December 11, 1924 in Rockford to William F. and Stella A. Hogan. Tom graduated from St. Thomas High School. He served in the US Navy during WWII, stationed on the DD 695 USS Cooper in the Pacific Theatre. He was a signalman when his ship was sunk during action at the Battle of Ormoc Bay on December 3, 1944. He was one of 168 survivors of a crew compliment of 359. He spent 12 hours in the enemy waters and the PBY that saved him set a record that stands today for the number of survivors (56) ever picked up. Tom was awarded a Purple Heart. He worked at JI Case in Rockford after the war until he joined the Rockford Police Department where he served for 26 years. He delivered 4 babies during his service with the Police Department. Tom liked to paint homes and serve as a handy man during his retirement. He also found great enjoyment spending time with his brothers, sister, children and grandchildren. Tom served on the Board of Directors for Pierce Distribution Services Company. He was predeceased by his mother, Stella and father, William; siblings, Bill, Bob, John, Marion, Hazel, Raymond, Glen, Paul, Don and grandchild, John Allen. Tom is survived by his wife, Elizabeth A. (Trapp children, Tom (Penny), Cindy, Debbie and Kevin (Donna grandchildren, Jay Hogan, Tom Freeston, Elizabeth Freeston Beeghly (Brian), Matthew Hogan (Kendra), Stephanie Michealides (Eli), Mary Freeston, Ann Freeston, Mike Freeston, Chris Hogan (Jennifer), Candice Freeman (DJ), Benjamin Hogan, Meggie Hogan, Tim Hogan, Robert Hogan and his special buddy, Jack. There are 7 great-grandchildren. We would like to thank all those who prayed for Tom during his last days. We would also like to thank the doctors and nurses at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center for their kindness. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Eli Michealides for his help with the care of Tom. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2010 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. William R. Wentink officiating. Visitation also from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church on Saturday. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to Rosecrance. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com