Thomas "Tom" Frawley

Thomas “Tom” A. Frawley, 86, of Rockford passed away Monday, January 8, 2018, in Medina Manor Nursing Center. Born June 26, 1931, in Bloomington, the son of John E. and Marion E. (Parker) Frawley.  Veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Navy.  Employed by the Rockford Fire Department from 1956 to 1986, retiring with the rank of Deputy Chief.  Graduate of the U.S. Navy Flight School in Pensacola, FL.  Served with Fasron 821, Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA.  Tom was the first firefighter / officer to graduate from Rock Valley College with a fire service degree.  He also attended the National Fire Academy at Emmitsburg, MD, and many State of Illinois Fire Service courses.  Tom spent two years at the Illinois State University as a student athlete.  He played football, wrestling and track at Lincoln, East High School, Illinois State University and in the Navy.  Tom was on East High’s first wrestling team, under Russ Erb, and under Dr. Hill at Illinois State University.  Former member of the Firefighters Local 413, Winnebago City Fire Chiefs Association, State of Illinois Fire Chief’s Association and International Fire Chiefs Association.  Tom was a classic car nut, restoring a 1953 Buick and a 1947 Lincoln Continental after he retired.  He enjoyed spending a lot of time at Delavan Lake, WI, Bonita Springs, FL, and traveling to old car shows nationwide.  He was a member of the Verdi Club, Lombardi Club, Buick Owners Club and Lincoln Zephry Owners Club.  Also former Boy Scout Committeeman, Merit Badge Counselor and Sea Scout Ship 508 Alumni Association.  Tom enjoyed the fact that he went bungee jumping at the age of 61.  Survivors include his sons, Tom (Janet) Frawley and Shawn (Gina) Frawley; daughter, Colleen (Gerald) Gilmore; grandchildren, Jennifer Bridgeland, Katherine Frawley, Randi Frawley and Carey Gilmore; great-grandchild, Maurice Montgomery; sister, Marilyn (Gene) Bowler; nephew, John Bowler; nieces, Elizabeth Himes and Susan Bowler.  Predeceased by his parents.

Memorial service at 11 a.m. Monday, January 22, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Boy Scout Troup 37.