Thomas R. Silich, age 81, lifelong resident of Hobart, currently residing in Crown Point, passed away on June 23rd, 2012. He proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army. Tom was employed by American Bridge and J.M. Foster, celebrating over 50 years as a union ironworker with the Ironworkers Union Local #395. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church of Merrillville for the past ten years, and former member of St. Bridget Catholic Church of Hobart. Tom was active in the Croatian Fraternal Union and the Knights of Columbus Monsignor Ryder Council #04047. He was also a member of the Duneland Ski Club, the Glenwood Roller Skating Group, and Universal Fitness Club. In addition, he enjoyed golfing, motorcycle riding, ballroom dancing, and playing his harmonica. Tom will be especially remembered for his unwavering Catholic faith, his impeccable work ethic, his amazing energy level, his wonderful sense of humor, and his dedication to his role as husband and father.

Tom was preceded in death by his precious wife of 40 years, former Hobart City Councilwoman Emily T. Silich and his loving daughter Diane M. Silich. He is survived by: 3 sons, Thomas D. (Kelly) Silich, Hobart, Daniel G. (Cyndy Merry) Silich, Hobart, Mark A. (Suzanne) Silich, Chicago; 2 daughters, Cheryl Ann (Don) Stafford, Louisville, KY, Major Kathy L. (Lt.Col. Edward) Novack, USMC, Kailua, HI; 1 sister, Margaret (Ludwig) Bishop, Merrillville; 1 brother, Victor (Marie) Silich, DeMotte; sweetheart and best dance partner Dolores Huber-Cwick, Merrillville, 9 grandchildren (Daniel, Adam, Jennifer, Josh, Jaydon, Emilee, Ruby Lee, Kainani, Kekoa) , 3 great grandchildren (Madyson, Lily, Adam, Jr.), extended family members and many close friends. Memorial donations are preferred to the Local #395 Active Ironworkers League (AIL).

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus prayer service at 7 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, Indiana. A funeral service for Tom Silich will be on Wednesday June 27, 2012 and will begin with prayers at 9:15 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel and will process to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 200 E. 78th Avenue, Merrillville for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian burial with Rev. Andrew Corona officiating. Interment at Hobart Cemetery, Hobart, Indiana with lunch to follow hosted by the Silich family at Rosser Hall located at 1421 W. 37th Avenue, Hobart. For more information, please call 219-942-2109 or online at Reesfuneralhomes.com.