Thomas A. Braband, 71, passed peacefully with his family by his side on April 18, 2024.
Thomas was born December 23, 1952 in Chicago, the son of Frank and Helen Braband. He met the love of his life Barbara A. Starzynski in 1974 while working as a Thillens check casher, and they were married on April 24, 1977 in Chicago, IL. He proudly served as a Chicago Police Officer for 27 years and after retirement, as the head of security of the Federal Court Building in Rockford, IL.
Fierce protector of his family and proudest Dad of Kellie and Tim, Tom always made sure everyone’s tires had air in them, gas tanks were full, and his family was well taken care of. He was a class act who will be remembered for his thoughtful, kind, and giving spirit. Tom was always thinking of those less fortunate than him, living his faith through acts of generosity and compassion. Few things on earth brought him more joy than spending time with his wife and family, being Papa to Aliya, Nick, and Ava, Christmastime, classic cars, family vacations, a good cup of coffee, a sharp suit and tie, a beautifully landscaped lawn, a nice dinner with a cocktail, and his grand-dog Roxie.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Barbara Braband; his daughter, Kellie (Libby) Braband Lane; his son, Tim (Ashley) Braband and loving grandchildren, Aliya, Nick, and Ava Braband. Tom was dear brother-in-law of Scott and Mary Ann Pischke and Janice and the late Francis Joebgen. He was cousin and dear friend of Fr. James Braband, SVD and was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother and friend, Michael Braband. Tom was a beloved uncle, coworker, neighbor, and friend to many and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 24,2024 at 1:00pm at St. Mary Catholic Church – 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. Entombment will be at the All-Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Tom’s honor to Shriners Children Hospital, Lurie Children’s Hospital or JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington, IL.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Tom, you will be missed by all who ever knew you. Yes, you were truly a Class Act. May you rest in peace
Dear Tom, you will be greatly missed. Our wonderful times we had in Naples with you and Barbara. Wish we could turn back the hands of time and continue doing them. God Bless Barb and you family.
Barb, Words cannot express the loss of a spouse. Our deepest condolences on Tom’s passing. Tom will be truly missed…. Love, Paul & Kathy Vitaioli.
Dear family I am so sorry Tom had to go through this. We are thinking said you all and praying for you. I will always have wonderful memories of Tom. Xoxoxo
I had the privilege of working with Tom in SOG North and to say Tom was a class act would be an understatement. HE had a special walk and always greeted you with a smile and HOW YOU DOING! My condolences go out to the entire Braband family. Rest in Peace Tom.
So sorry to hear that Uncle Tom has passed. Big hug from the Brabands in the UK. Love to you all x
May my great friend rest in peace.
I will miss you greatly Tom. What a kind, generous, caring person you were! My love and condolences to Barb, Tim and Kellie. My heart is broken but I will always smile when I think of you. Lee
I had the privilege of working with Tom in SOG/N (I/F) truly one of the good guys. You will be missed. Semper Cop.
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Tom will be remembered at the next Police Mass. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
To the Braband family, my condolences on your loss. May the Lord comfort and sustain all of you during this difficult time. I worked alongside him in SOG. It was nice having known him.
My deepest condolences to the entire Barband family. Tom and I came on the Chgo. PD together. We were in the same homeroom. We had a lot of laughs and a few beers. Always a Great Guy and Cop. Rest In Peace my Brother in Blue. Until we met again Tommy. Mags
Barb, Kellie, and Tim, Your dad was a wonderful guy, and it was so very sad to learn of his passing. I will pray for healing for your entire family. Tommy, enjoy an eternity of Peace and happiness. We will meet again someday Brother, I love you. Jimmy
Mr. B. was a critical influence in my life during high school and college. He set the bar high for how to be an incredible human and parent figure. He may have referred to me as Eddy Hascal, but I definitely deserved that nickname at the time :) His humor and love always shone brightly. He was the dad I wished I had, and he treated me with the utmost respect. I'm so incredibly sorry to know he is no longer here. I'll continue to hold him in my heart.
Worked with Tom at the Chicago Federal Building and Rockford. Surprised to hear of his passing just now. He was a good man. Condolences and prayers for you and your family, Barb.