Thomas Allen Bolt

Thomas Allen Bolt, 69, died on November 19, 2025, in Chicago, IL. Tom was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 28, 1956, to the late William and Jane Kenner Bolt.

Thomas is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Patricia Luken, and his children: Karoline Bolt (Andrew Deckard), Kenner Bolt, Kaley Bolt Reilly, and Christopher (Catie) Bolt. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren: Callahan Reilly, Alfred Deckard, Ernest Deckard, William Bolt and Madelyn Bolt. He was the beloved brother of the late Andrew Bolt and Spook Bolt (Stephanie). He was the cherished uncle to McKenzie Bolt Rose, Hannah Bolt, Sophia Bolt, Robert Bolt, Anna Bolt and Henry Bolt.

Tom grew up in Kansas City where he collected a lifetime supply of anecdotes and sayings. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1978 with degrees in English Literature and Economics, and from the Kellogg School of Management in 1979 with a Masters in Marketing. Tom embarked on what was to be an international career as a senior executive, initially in banking, then insurance, living in Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, New Jersey, London, and New York. He retired to Chicago earlier this year.

Tom spent 25 years with Berkshire Hathaway and was instrumental in building its UK insurance business. In 2009 he became the Director of Performance Management for Lloyds of London. Tom joined AIG as Chief Underwriting Officer in 2018 and played a critical role in reshaping the company. He retired from AIG in 2024 as its Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer.

Many tributes have been paid by Tom’s former colleagues. He was known for his keen mind and vast market knowledge. He was mentor to many and had an open door no matter what his schedule said. His sense of humor, kindness and integrity were known to all. Tom had an interest in and learned the background of everyone, no matter their job title.

While proud of his professional accomplishments, Tom’s biggest achievement together with their mother were his children Karoline, Kenner, Kaley and Christopher. While only responsible for their launch, he was incredibly proud of their trajectories and the people they became. The addition of five beloved grandchildren along with his cherished son and daughter-in-law was the "icing on the cake."

He loved, in no particular order, books, jellybeans, windup toys, Saturday tennis, milkshakes, Chelsea football club, baseball, fountain pens, his friends – especially the “culture club”, running, concerts, the beach, ukulele cover songs, giving thoughtful gifts and advice, grabbing the check at dinner, and letting others shine.

He will be missed by basically everyone who ever met him.

Services to be held Saturday, December 6 th at 11 am at St. Josaphat Church, 2311 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL. Charitable contributions may be made to the Chicago Library Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL