Thomas James Pintelon, a?ectionately known as "TP," a nickname bestowed by his lifelong friends, embraced life until his last moments on July 14, 2024, in the comfort of his Milford home, with his devoted wife by his side. Born on April 30, 1950, in bustling Chicago, he was the son of Donald and Merrylou (Ryan) Pintelon, who welcomed him with open arms. Tom now joins the spirits of his loved ones who preceded him in death; his brother, Michael Pintelon, his sister, Donna Jean Horneman, and his father-in-law, Jerry M. Cook, his grandmother-in-law, Helen Bicanic, a?ectionately known as "Bako." Together, they were a barrel of laughs and the fun kind of trouble. They are probably enjoying a cigarette, an aspirin, and a cup of co?ee—or maybe a beer—together, catching up.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Monica A. Cook-Pintelon, whom he married on June 21, 1986, in Steger, IL. Their love story, more enchanting than any Disney tale or romance novel, began in an unconventional manner: Monica was the mechanic who put a new transmission in Tom’s 1976 Ford Torino in 1982. She told him he owed her a ride in that car. For over 40 years, Monica will tell you she has happily been on that ride with her best friend, soulmate, and love of her life. Tom’s legacy continues with his daughter, Britany R. Pintelon of Watseka, who has always been his princess and a?ectionately calls him "Swan." They shared many unforgettable moments as concert buddies, and she thanks her dad for instilling in her a passion for music. Tom is also survived by his son, Jerry M. Pintelon, the heir to the Pintelon throne, residing in Chicago, who inherited his father’s sense of humor, easygoing nature, and remarkable ability to light up a room.
Tom took immense pride in his ?rst-born grandson, Beau Hunter Thomas Sell, Britany’s son, who carries on the name Thomas as his second middle name. Beau knows that this special bond with his Papa is something nobody else will ever share. He a?ectionately called him “Papa” and shared a unique connection; Tom was Beau's biggest cheerleader, always in the stands during football season. He will now have the best view of all the games.
He is also survived by his grandson, Brycen Jerry Pintelon, Jerry's son, who was a beautiful addition to the Pintelon legacy and kept his Papa on his toes and ?lled his heart with so much joy and love.
Also surviving Tom is William Elwood Sell Jr. from Shelocta, Pennsylvania, the father of Beau Hunter Thomas Sell. Bill and Tom shared a special bond filled with laughter, often teasing each other, especially when Tom would jokingly insist that his home wasn’t a flop house! They had an inside joke about tomahawks that always left them in stitches. Bill loved Tom and was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was making modifications to assist him or ensuring that his ramp was delivered. As a family, we are grateful for Bill's kindness and support, and we especially appreciate that he played a role in bringing Beau Hunter Thomas Sell into this world with Britany.
Additional survivors include his beloved mother-in-law, Veronica R. Cook of Sauk Village, who absolutely would not hesitate to raise her hand in the air and say, "You want some of dis?" His sister-in-law, Jayne Cook-Flory, who adored Tom and shared countless laughs about so many topics, as well as his brother-in-law, John Flory of Sauk Village, IL, and their two beautiful daughters, Alley and Ashleigh. Ashleigh and Rob blessed Tom with three beautiful and cherished great-nieces. Also surviving Tom is his brother-in-law, Joseph "Joey" Cook, who would move mountains for Tom, and his wife, Trisha, who reside in Valparaiso, IN. In their family unit, everyone a?ectionately refers to Tom as Uncle Tom, which includes his nephews, Preston and Jake, niece, Layne, and his beloved little niece, Addison. Tom shared a special bond with Addison; it’s likely the matching hair and eye colors that drew them together, but we suspect they also conspired together on plenty of mischievous adventures that would make even the most seasoned troublemakers proud! Also surviving are his nephew, Tim Horneman and wife, Dee Dee Martinez-Horneman, along with their children, Raven and Colin of St. John, IN. Timmy and Uncle Tom shared so many magical memories, including the fun plot twist where Britany was almost born on the ?oorboard of Timmy’s car as he drove Monica to the hospital while she was in labor. Additionally, surviving is Tony Horneman, Tom's sister’s husband; niece, Marylou Horneman of Lansing, IL, and her three children, Nick, Alex, and Arianna; niece, Laura Horneman-Badali (Troy) and their two children, Cami and Vincent; and niece, Jennifer Horneman-Valentino of Lansing, IL, and her three children, DJ, Lauren, and Taylor, who blessed Uncle Tom with several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Tom was a machinist for the railroad, working with Amtrak and Illinois Central/Canadian National for over 30 years. He embraced life with gusto, always drawn to the outdoors and cherishing every moment spent with his family and grandchildren. Whether it was enjoying train rides, casting a line while ?shing, hitting the casino or simply soaking up the sun on his front porch, Tom lived for adventure and laughter. He was a dad to everyone, including Jerry's best friend, Bret Kleinert, whom Tom lovingly considered an adopted child. Tom adored Bret and took immense pride in the remarkable man he grew up to be. Tom cherished their bond as if Bret were his own son.
Tom never missing a beat when it came to his kids’ concerts, science fairs, award ceremonies, or sporting events—because being late was simply not in his vocabulary! Tom was known for his friendly nature; he never met a stranger and always had a story to share. His love for music ?lled his home, and he found joy in spontaneous road trips that open led to unforgettable memories. As we remember him, think of Tom as a legend, a larger-than-life ?gure who loved ?ercely and lived fully. There will never be anyone quite like him on this Earth.
Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Baier Funeral Home in Watseka. Join us for a vibrant Celebration of Life ?lled with laughter and sharing of memories, as we honor Tom’s remarkable legacy and the joy, love and laughter he brought to all our lives. Please come with a story and share it with all of us that day. If you cannot attend, please share a memory or story of Tom on the link listed below.
In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be given to the family for them to establish a trust for TP’s grandchildren.
Please share a memory of Tom at baierfuneralhome.com
