Thomas John Black, age 77, a member of a dwindling fraternity of men from another era, self-reliant, proud, with a strong work ethic. Never short of friends, an old joke or work to be done. A man of many trades, his work as a master-carpenter can be found in many Chicago area locations. Attended Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, IL where he made life-long friends and later worked; he was employed at St Irenaeus Catholic Church, Park Forest for 28 years and then self-employed until retirement. He was very proud of his work and affiliation with Balagio’s Restaurant and Sanfrantello’s Pizza. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Black, daughters Laura (Bear) Kennedy, Debbie Paish, Cheri (David) Nichols, sons Tom and Dennis Black; step-children Kerry (Bernie) Crotty and Gary Adams, ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Joanna Wolf Black Luening, Step-father Robert Luening and granddaughter, Alex Paish. He will be remembered for his devotion to family and friends, his love of storytelling, especially his stories from Maryville which will live on forever, and for his generosity of heart. A Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015, 11 a.m. At Balagio's Restaurant, 17501 Dixie Highway, Homewood, IL 60430. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Rev. John Smyth Standing Tall Charitable Foundation 1100 North River Road, The Villa, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Arrangements by LANE-MOYNIHAN FUNERAL & CREMATION, Central Chapel, Chicago. To express your thoughts or memories in the online guest book, visit www.chapelc.com or www.facebook.com/centralchapel. For information call 708-857-7050 or 773-581-9000.