Thomas Wallace Scileppi

Thomas "Tom" Wallace Scileppi, 82, of Chicago, died Saturday, October 18, 2025. Born March 7, 1943, in Rock Ville Centre, New York, to Dr Myron and Genevieve Scileppi.

A lifelong educator, Tom taught seventh and eighth grade science at Reese and Andrew Jackson Language Academy for 37 years. He took pride in his best students and stayed in touch with many of his former students for decades.

Tom was happiest outdoors—camping with his lifelong friend Jim, hunting with his son Tom, or golfing with his good buddy Denny. In later years he discovered Minocqua, Wisconsin, and made a yearly summer pilgrimage there.

At home in Chicago, he played summer softball and cheered on the Cubbies; in winter he rooted for the Bears and happily cleared neighbors' sidewalks with his riding snow blower.

A gifted carpenter and born tinkerer, Tom could take anything apart and make it better. He once deconstructed a 1953 MG into "a thousand pieces" to get to know it better - then he miraculously put it all back together. Tom was quick with a joke, partial to sweets, and always ready with a tool in hand and a well-trained hunting dog by his side. Tom became a snowbird in retirement, heading to Rotunda West, FL for the winters. He made friends easily and soon had a community in his new home.

He is survived by his children, Maria Scileppi (Brad Wenban) and Thomas Wallace (Meghan) Scileppi, Jr and his grandchildren, Sullivan Thomas and Genevieve June and his sister Betty Ann Yanity. He was preceded by his long time partner, Anne Bush; his parents, Genevieve and Myron Scileppi; and his brothers, Dr Robert Scileppi and Dr Edward Scileppi.

A memorial mass will be held at Holy Child Jesus Parish, Chicago, IL on November 15th at 10am, with a viewing from 9:30-10am. A memorial will also be held in Florida in the new year.