Thomas Joseph Chmelir passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025. He was 84 years old. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, he is preceded in death by his parents, Al and Veronica Chmelir. He is survived by his wife Mira, sons Michou and Francis (Beth), his grandchildren Marsalynnta, Anya, Sabrina, Mckayla, Benjamin, Arscillia, Emma, William, and Paul. Additionally survived by his sister Anita, brothers Joseph (Nancy), William (Julie) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated in his honor on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 10am at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Soulard, with a reception to follow. All are welcome.
I didn’t know Tom long but I know he was a great man:) My dad was lucky enough to be his housemate for a bit. Hugs to all of you!
Condolences to the family. He was my freshman homeroom teacher. I will always remember his welcoming smile, calm demeanor and dry wit. A true Man for Others
Tom was an amazingly good man. He lived his life in service, in education at St. Louis U. High in service to those in need, to his family, friends and coworkers.
“Mr Chmerlir”: my English teacher at SLUH. It was a relief for us to have him as our teacher. since all of us were not Track A students: he was Kind, understanding and patient……. I hope he had a wonderful happy life. sounds like he sure did. He did help us kids at the U. high to make it through. condolences to the family and to all his friends and SLUH associates: God rest his soul. Dr. James Boedeker, MD
Me. Comelier was my home room teacher for one year at SLUH in the 1960s. A very kind, considerate and intelligent man. I can’t thank him enough.
Geoffrey Hitch
Mr. Chmelir was my home room teacher freshman year at SLUH. I gave him my demerit card many times that first year, but also remember him as kind and far more patient than my antics deserved. I’m happy to know that he lived a life full of love and compassion. Fond thoughts and grateful memories.
Tom and (Mr., Coach, Doc, Deacon) Jim Murphy taught together for many years at SLUH. We were friends with him and Mira and loved them both.
Our prayers are with you and for you and your family
May Tom rest in peace.
Jim and Rose Murphy
mr. chmelir was my freshman english teacher at sluh in 65-66. since my last name starts with an s, i always sat in the row along the windows. mr. chmelir would pace up and down that last row looming above me. he was really tall and i was really short. he introduced us to some great literature. i particularly remember the short stories that we would read and then discuss in his class. thanks, mr. chmelir.
Mr. Chmelir was an excellent teacher who was very friendly and helpful to us freshmen long ago. And I enjoyed greeting him when he was walking near my home in U. City.
My SLUH memories of Mr. Chmelir are of his gentleness and kindness. Condolences to the family of this lovely man.
The rapport between Mr Chmelir and our freshman English class was nonpareil. We all respected him. Great sense of humor and always positive demeanor. What a great role model!
All of us at L’Arche St. Louis mourn the loss of Tom. Mira and Tom were beloved members of L’Arche St. Louis and their leadership in L’Arche around the world spans decades. Peace and blessings to Mira and the family.
Tom Chmelir was such a peaceable man that it would surprise his friends when he dropped a sardonic comment. He rather often surprised us because, peaceable as he was, he was also sharply observant. He cared about his students, his colleagues, his sons, and of course his beloved Mira. He was forever a pleasure to work with. The fickle finger of fate did all of us a service in giving us time with Tom.
Tom was such a warm, wise, generous and delightful presence at SLUH. He laughed a lot. Told great stories. He and I became friends and he supported my early interest in the natural world. Gave me a book that changed the trajectory of my life. Thank you, Tom, and my prayers are with his extraordinary family.
He was a wonderful man, and inspired all of us. I just think of all the students who he taught Shakespeare to (myself included) and I know he helped all of us look at life in a different way because of his kindness and his approach to teaching.
Just yesterday, I attended mass at St Leo’s Church in Tacoma (WA) and suddenly had a memory of Tom and Mira. Upon arriving home, I decided to do an Internet search, and I’m sorry to see that Tom passed away at the start of this year. Tom and Mira befriended me and my husband at St Leo’s many decades ago, and Tom was always someone I enjoyed seeing at mass. My prayers are with Mira and Tom’s family as they mourn.