Thomas Carmody

Thomas Richard Carmody, 76, of Edwardsville, Illinois and formerly of Granite City, Illinois, passed away at 11:06 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Aspen Creek of Troy.

He was born February 4, 1950, in Granite City, a son of the late John Warren and Helen Mary (Wickman) Carmody. He married the love of his life, Catherine Elizabeth “Cathy” (Ramatowski) Carmody, on August 15, 1981, at the Religious Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. They shared 45 wonderful years of marriage, and she survives.

Tom devoted 31 years of his life to serving and protecting his community as a firefighter with the Granite City Fire Department, retiring in December 2006. He took tremendous pride in his career and treasured the camaraderie, brotherhood and lifelong friendships he shared with his fellow firefighters. He was a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters and also proudly served his country with the United States Army Reserve. Never one to shy away from hard work, throughout his firefighting career he also spent many of his days off working at Banner Fire Equipment and Pyle and Sons Electric.

His faith was an important part of his life. Tom was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Granite City, where he served on the Parish Council and generously gave his time and talents to the church’s annual Fall Festival throughout the years.

Tom was incredibly talented with his hands and had a true gift for woodworking. He spent countless hours in his workshop creating beautiful dressers, bookcases, toy chests, hope chests and many other special pieces for his family. Each creation was made with patience, craftsmanship and love. These pieces became much more than furniture; they are treasured family heirlooms that will carry a part of Tom with them as they are cherished and passed down through generations.

Tom had a curious mind and a lifelong desire to learn and experience new things. He was a pilot who enjoyed the freedom and adventure of flying small-engine airplanes. An avid history buff, he could spend hours watching documentaries and learning about the past, with a particular interest in military history and the many wars and events that shaped the world.

He also enjoyed a good round of golf and had a passion for traveling. Tom and Cathy shared many wonderful adventures throughout the world with family and friends, creating stories, friendships and memories that would last a lifetime. Whether he was traveling to a new destination, flying, golfing, working on a project in his shop or simply enjoying time with those around him, Thomas embraced the experiences that made life meaningful.

Of all his accomplishments, however, nothing brought Thomas greater pride than his family. He was especially proud of raising four children and seeing each of them pursue and complete a college education. He cherished watching his family grow through the years and took great joy in his nine grandchildren. His greatest legacy can be found not only in the beautiful things he built with his hands, but in the family he helped build through his love, guidance, hard work and example.

In addition to his beloved wife, Cathy, he is survived by four children and their spouses, Jack and Julie Carmody of Troy, Adam Barr of Edwardsville, Sarah and Michael Brokering of Troy and Matthew and Hailey Carmody of St. Louis; nine cherished grandchildren, Jocelynn, Jilliann, Ozaine, Vaeda, George, Tyler, Logan, Parker and Willow; a sister, Kathy Carmody of O’Fallon, Missouri; a brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Deb Carmody of Belleville; nieces; nephews; other extended family and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, David Carmody.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be held at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2606 Washington Avenue in Granite City, on Monday, August 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with Father Jeff Holtman as celebrant. Entombment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Memorials may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the American Diabetes Association and may be accepted at the funeral chapel.

Condolences and memories may be accepted at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home