Thomas John Kilavos, 64, of Kewanna, IN (formerly of Valparaiso, IN), passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born on January 2, 1959, in Denver, CO, to the late John and Despina “Penny” (Anast) Kilavos.
Tom graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1977 and attended Purdue North Central, where he studied Business Management. He made his career in sales for more than 24 years as the Vice President of International Magnaproducts Inc. in Valparaiso. Prior to working at IMI, he was the Operations Coordinator at Opportunity Enterprise in Valparaiso for 17 years.
Tom couldn’t go anywhere without making a friend. He will be remembered for his charming personality and sense of humor. He coined the affectionate nickname “Greek” from friends over the years because of his heritage and stubbornness. Tom lived for the outdoors and spent his evenings watching the lake from his backyard. He enjoyed learning, being creative, and working on his countless hobbies. He liked fishing, woodworking, and making fishing lures. He cherished his dog Molly Bear and often took her on golf cart rides around the lake.
Above all, Tom loved his family. He took pride in his kids’ accomplishments more than his own. He cared deeply for his kids and took every opportunity to tell them he loved them. He was excited for his new phase of life of being a grandpa (Papou) and being able to spoil them. He will be deeply missed.
Tom is survived by his children: Pastor John (Kelsey) Kilavos of Kouts, Hallie Kilavos of Valparaiso, Thomas (Emma) Kilavos of Kouts; grandchildren: Lennin, Samuel, and Mabel; nephew and godson, Dean Kilavos; and his beloved Newfoundland dog, Molly. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Constantine “Dean” Kilavos and Nick Kilavos.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 27, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 P.M. Private burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Giant Paw Prints Rescue, 857 W. Main St., Westville, IN 46391.
GUESTBOOK
I graduated with your dad, and he always made me smile, if not laugh right out loud. So sorry for your loss. -Karen Miller Tognetti
Tom was a great guy full of humor. A kind soul. We had newfoundlands in common and I’m sure Molly will miss him soooo much. My prayers go out to the family. I’m sure you will cherish all the wonderful memories and hop that helps in your healing. RIP Tom. Class of 77 will forever miss you. -Amber Tiffany
John, you will be surely missed. I always looked forward to your jokes and seeing your catch of the day. My condolences and prayers are with your family. I know God is holding you in the palm of His hand. Until we meet again my friend, may you rest in peace. -Cynthia Neuner
We are so sorry. Tom was a great man and will be missed dearly. -Don and Crystal Creviston
-Michael Bondi
We are so sorry for the loss of your Father. From what was written about his life, he seemed like a really awesome guy. A testament to him is raising two great guys like you too. Our prayers go out to the whole family. -Tino, Kara, Isabella & Aliyah Jimenez
Our deepest sympathy, may Tom rest in peace and may his memory be eternal. -The Georgas family
From the first time I met Tom enjoying a cold beverage while discussing our kids, we became good friends. Tom was proud of his family and our kids grew up as friends too. We had some great discussions around life, politics, business, family, and most important God. Tommy the Greek will always have a special place in my heart, see you again someday brother of a different mother! -Rick Wittmer
Tom was such a joy to talk to, I always enjoyed catching up with him at high school reunions He always went out of his way to make my husband feel welcome and brought a smile or usually a hearty laugh to everyone around him. He will be missed! -Tracy Newberry Jones
Tom was absolutely loved and respected by everyone I know from our class of '77. He had such a dry and hysterical sense of humor. His 'comments' on fb were the best.
In my high school days Tom use to drive my friends and me around after the sock hops or football games and more, always happy to do it since he had another chance to drive whatever awesome car he had. He was reliable, generous, funny, thoughtful and just so so likeable. There are very few people in the world that I can honestly say never had a bad word to say, not a gossip, just friendly and kind.
My HS classmates and I knew that Tom would be at any gathering for our HS and since I live in Ohio, I counted on that. He was salt of the earth, and I am better for having him as my friend.
On his birthday this past January we connected via texts and made a promise to spend more than a quick conversation the next time we got together because it has been too long. Tom, I will be chatting with you from anywhere now as I look up and know you are dining at Our Lord's table. I know you are smiling and making them laugh in heaven!
Dear Tom, you were taken too early from us. Your absence will be felt for years to come. I will never forget you and all the good you represented. I know today is your funeral and I am broken-hearted I could not come in person to pay my respects to you and your family. You will all remain in my prayers until my last day. -Mary Long Rossi
