From excerpts on ChicagoSun-Times.com:
Earlier this month, Tom Raychek, a retired firefighter from Chicago, was found deceased in his mobile home in Belvidere. Initially, it seemed like he lived a solitary life. However, once word spread about his passing on social media, many within the Chicago Fire Department fraternity remembered him fondly.
Tom, 64, had served valiantly in the past, including volunteering during the tragic Roselawn plane crash in 1994 where 68 people lost their lives. He also contributed his time to organizations such as Misericordia and helped maintain the firefighters' memorial at Rosehill Cemetery.
Bill Kugelman, his former battalion chief, noted that Tom grew up partly in foster care. This shaped his character, leading him to give back by collecting toys for underprivileged children. Interestingly, it was later discovered that Tom had family members out of state. They were traced by the Boone County Coroner's Office and Belvidere Police. Organizations like Ignite the Spirit and the Fire Chaplains’ Ministry Fund are prepared to assist with funeral costs if necessary, according to Chicago Fire Department chaplain Thomas Mulcrone.
Despite retiring roughly 15 years ago, Tom maintained connections with some former colleagues. Some even thought he might have relocated to Wisconsin. In reality, he'd been residing at Greenview Estates in Belvidere for the past few years. Kelli Gavril Goodmonson, who manages the mobile home park, described him as kind and always cheerful. On November 24th, she became concerned after not seeing him and discovered his body inside his home. The cause of death was ruled as natural causes.
Goodmonson learned Tom was a firefighter from an old newspaper clipping he kept, showing him saving a baby during a fire. Not realizing he had relatives, she shared his story on Facebook along with the photo. Her post quickly gained traction among firefighters and their networks. Many recalled Tom's generous spirit and dedication.
"Brotherhood has really shone through," she remarked. "It's incredible how strong and unwavering it is."
In her post, she mentioned hearing that Tom was a foundling. However, in a 1993 interview, he revealed he became a ward of the state around first grade due to his parents' circumstances. Throughout his career, Tom worked at Engine 89, Truck 25, and Engine 69 before finishing at O'Hare Airport in a mobile command role.
During the Roselawn tragedy, Tom voluntarily assisted authorities, spending days aiding in body recovery efforts. When Ron Howard filmed "Backdraft" in Chicago, Tom pitched in to clean up the local firefighters' memorial. Even after retirement, Tom continued giving back by donating to the Lakeview Learning Center and visiting Misericordia regularly.
Chaplain Mulcrone mentioned they've organized an honor guard and bagpipers for the funeral. It's heartwarming to see how Tom's legacy continues to inspire those who knew him.
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