THOMAS B. KILBANE, age 85, beloved husband of 62 years to Joyce (nee Murphy); loving father of Kevin Kilbane, Thomas Kilbane and Kellie Lupica (John); dear grandfather of Matthew, Emily, Daniel, Ryan, Shannon, Allison and Ian; son of the late Clara (nee Schmidt) and James P. Kilbane; brother of James "Lefty" Kilbane (deceased) (Sue Spiccia), Chuck (Marilyn) (both deceased), Patricia Hovanic (Lyle, deceased) and Rita Bruening (Walter) (both deceased); uncle, great-uncle and friend of many.  Tom had a special place in his heart for his beloved cat, "Mahle." Proud member of Plumbers Local 55.  U.S. Army veteran - Korea.  He was a member of the VFW, the AMVETS, the American Legion and Elks Club, all in Sandusky, OH and was also a member of the West Side Irish American Club. Passed away December 17, 2020 due to complications of Covid-19.  A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at St. Angela Merici Church in Fairview Park.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, 15500 South Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH  44110 or The City Mission of Cleveland, 5310 Carnegie Ave., Cleveland, OH  44103,  or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

"How Lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard"

How does one condense the impact that a person has had on so many lives into a few short paragraphs? It's never easy accepting the inevitable. We take for granted that our parents will always be there, that somehow the day will never come when we cannot pick up the phone to talk or just pop-in to see a smiling face.  Our father has always been graciously present in our lives. His love for us was evident but what was most evident was the Love he had for our mother.

Joyce Murphy. "Murph!", as he would call her. My father adored our mother. The shy young girl who would walk home from school.  The beautiful girl who lived around the corner. He, a Kamm's Corner Kilbane. A rough and tumble Irish family with a proud and loving matriarch who "knew" her boys could do no wrong. Later the stories of those "perfect boys" would delight many audiences and keep memories alive for kids, grandkids or those fortunate enough to be in the room listening.

There is nothing my father wouldn't do for our Mother. Spending time together was something he looked forward to. Whether it was taking her to the store, watching their favorite entertainers with friends or sharing breakfast together at their local hangout, being together truly mattered.  His love was undeniable.

The Pride of my father's Life?  His Grandkids: Matt, Danny, Emily, Allison, Ryan, Ian and Shannon. Conversations always started with making sure his grandchildren were happy.  His love and concern for their wellbeing was heartwarming but that is our father. They all came first. As long as each one of them was taken care of, he was content.  Of course, He would love to share a few life experiences to help them on their path. Those experiences mean more now than ever and they will always be cherished.

We, his children, have to accept that our lives will never be the same. There is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled. He was a wonderful father and a unique human being.  Everyone knew when Tom Kilbane was in the room and his gift of storytelling was a treasured delight that will truly be missed. Our love of heritage can only grow stronger as we proudly say our last name. They say that your children become what you are, so be what you want them to be. We will spend the rest of our lives trying to fill our father's shoes. Hoping to be the "light" that he was in so many people's lives.