Grattan, Thomas Francis

Tom Grattan, 58, passed away peacefully, with many family members around him, on July 12, 2024, while trying to overcome an infection connected to his heart valve. He put up a fierce fight, and overcame numerous set-backs during the course of the illness. After 8 weeks in the hospital, he got the news he had been waiting to hear; his heart scan came back clear. He contacted many family members and friends to share the great news. Later that night, after his joy-filled day, he unexpectedly suffered a massive brain bleed.  The medical team acted quickly but it was just too severe to treat. His nearby family members had time to get to the hospital, pray with him and hold his hand, until he quietly and peacefully took his last breath. We will miss him more than words can say, but we know he is now enjoying “The Peace that goes beyond all understanding,” until we see him again.

Tom was born in Webster Groves, Missouri to the late Edward and Kathy Grattan. He was the youngest of 4 children: Dave Grattan, Joan (Kevin) Edwards, and Greg (Marie) Grattan. He was the proud uncle of Margaret Grattan(Chris Sparks), Kathleena (Alex) Higginbotham, Gabby (Mike) Fratini, Brianna, Caitlyn (Nick) Kranz, Molly (Patrick) Buschman, Eddie Grattan, Adam Galczynski, Jessica Galczynski, (Brian) and fun great uncle to Cooper and Adrian.

After being born in Webster Groves, Tom’s family moved to New York and back, then to Wilbraham, Massachusetts. His family returned to the Ballwin area in 1976. That is where they remained through high school at Parkway West. After graduating high school, Tom attended The University of Missouri, Springfield.  After deciding the 4-year college plan was not for him, he finished his education at The DeVry College, where he earned his associate degree and Certification as an Electronics Technician.

Tom had a productive and fulfilling career that he enjoyed. He worked for Sensormatics Electronics for many years, then started his long-time career at AT&T. At both companies he enjoyed his coworkers and was always a reliable, dedicated employee. He eventually took an early retirement option from AT&T after nearly 20 years. After much consideration, he applied for, and accepted a position at Lloyd Industries. He continued to work there until his hospitalization earlier this summer.  Tom really enjoyed his employers and coworkers there and they were incredibly supportive, and kind during his absence from work.

Tom had many passions, but being the great guy that he was, his family came first. He was Paula’s loving husband for almost 28 years; and an amazing father to Gabe and Marlaina. He was also: a wonderful son, thoughtful bother, brother-in-law, son-in-law, nephew, cousin and extremely proud uncle. He was a good friend to many because he was a nice guy, to everyone. He would help anyone, with anything, no questions asked. He was also a very talented guitar player and singer. He just recently had the pleasure of playing at Kirkwood Park, shortly before the storms moved in, forcing them to stop. Tom loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed working on and relaxing at the lake house. He also enjoyed traveling, soaking up all of the historical facts about each location and usually trying the most unusual thing on the menu.

Tom is definitely gone too soon, and we will miss him tremendously, forever.  However, we are going to focus on how blessed we were to have had him in our lives, and the many happy memories we will cherish for the rest of our lives. We are also finding comfort in knowing he will be watching over us, until the day we get to be with him again.

Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois, Friday July 19 4:00-8:00 PM. Funeral mass Tuesday July 23 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Valley Park). Memorials to the animal charity of one’s choice appreciated.