Thomas David Gaskin

• Reference: FamilySearch Record - SmartCopy: Nov 28 2019, 19:29:59 UTC
• Reference: FamilySearch Record - SmartCopy: Nov 28 2019, 19:31:41 UTC

Thomas Gaskin dies at 83 By J.E. Shelby The good works of Thomas D. Gaskin, 83, 1535 Forest Av., River Forest, came to a not unexpected close when he died April 9 at Oak Park Hospital. Born in Chicago, he lived in Oak Park, Elmwood Park and River Forest for more than a quarter of a century. He was closely identified with the senior citizens movement and the woodworking room at Mills House Senior Citizens' Center is named for him. He was a member there from 1960 to 1968 and president four years. In 1962 he made the "Hall of Fame" as Oak Park's leading dynamic "Senior Citizen and Civic Leader." In 1965 he was elected for a second time (the only person in the Chicago and suburban area so honored). He received an appreciation certificate from the American Legion for "meritorious and outstanding service to the community." He was a past commander and life member of the Charles Roth Post 692. From the Jaycees, he received a plaque as "Citizen of the Year," in 1965. The National Recreation Assn. elected him an honorary member for "outstanding contributions to the recreation movement of America." Mr. Gaskin was chairman of a housing committee—the object to provide housing in Oak Park for senior citizens; the 19- story result now stands in Mills Park. For the Oak Park Recreation Dept. he conducted and directed a tennis tournament each year for past nine years as it went from 22 participants to Well over 100. He was also chairman of the annual "Fourth of July Balloon Flying Contest" for seven years. An enthusiastic member of the Kiwanis Club he was awarded a gold medal by the A.A.U. for his work%s fund raising chairman for swim meets conducted by the. park district several years ago. He had an interest in Hepjzibah Home, was a board member of the Cancer Society, the Oak Park-River Forest Symphony Orchestra, member, advisory council for Oak Park-River Forest High School, and was on the staff of the Chamber of Commerce four years. Mr. Gaskin was the husband of the late Lillian M. (Duggan) who died Dec. 29; father of Dorothy (the late Edward W.) Sacoff, with whom he made his home after his wife's death in December; grandfather of Robert W.; and brother of Veronica Hansen. Mass was offered April 10 at St Vincent Ferrer Church. Visitation was at the Conboy Funeral Home, Chicago, and entombment was at the Queen of Heaven Mausoleum, Hillside. Active in the business world, he retired from the Masonite Corp., in 1957 where he had held several important posts, including that of division manager, general line. A friend noted this week that "Tom Gaskin never seemed too busy to contribute of his time, talent and resources in any good cause.' He made a tremendous contribution to the civic well-being of his community." —Oak Leaves (Oak Park, IL), 14 Apr 1976, pg. 62

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Nov 28 2019, 19:32:57 UTC