Thomas Maluga

We mournfully announce the passing of Thomas Michael Maluga, age 65, of Chicago, IL. On January 12, 2023, our father, Tom Maluga passed away into God's graces after a sudden leukemia diagnosis and three week battle with brain hematomas. 

Tom, born to Steve and Mary Maluga, on October 11, 1957 in Hammond, IN. He was a force to be reckoned with from the get go, graduating from Bishop Noll High School in 1975, Indiana State University in 1979 with Bachelor’s Communication, in 1981 with a Masters in Communication, and in 1985 from Dallas Theology Seminary in Pastoral Leadership.

After graduation, Tom went on to be a Pastor at Vickery Baptist Church (Dallas), Uptown Baptist Church (Chicago), Director of Safe Families at Lydia Home Association, and Wedding Officiant at Celebrate Your Love. He was passionate about sharing the love of our Lord with others and was an integral part of the church. A loyal servant to God, Tom spent many of his hours dedicating his life to city ministry. 

Those that knew Tom, knew he was a foodie at heart. Going out to lunch/dinner with him, meant going to the most obscure, hole in the wall, authentic, underrated place you’ve been to; a place you couldn’t wait to go back or take someone to. 

He was an active member of many clubs and organizations, playing football and basketball in high school, olympic weight lifting in college, later on after moving to Chicago a love for cycling on the Lake Shore Drive path, and playing tennis.

He lived a full and vibrant life with more friends than you could count. His family and friends meant more to him than words can describe. Tom joins parents Steve and Mary, brothers Steven and Tim in Heaven. He is survived by many loving family members, including adult children Angel, Tommy and Joel; as well as sisters Maralyn Ryan, Marlene Seidler, and Angela Simko. We will miss him dearly.

We are working on getting the memorial planned and will update our memorial website with that information as soon as we have more details.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park,  IL