Thomas P. Marnell 1957-2017

Thomas P. Marnell, 60, passed away on Sunday Sept. 3, 2017 after battling kidney cancer. Tom was married to the love of his life, Christy (Sallas). The couple lived in Oak Park and Naperville and raised four amazing children, Colleen (Tom) McManigal (Naperville, IL), Anthony (Brooklyn, NY), Tommy (Los Angeles, CA), and Kara (San Francisco, CA). A man of humility and generosity, and who faithfully lived his values, Tom was devoted to his family and devout in his Catholic faith. By his own quiet example, Tom taught his children the importance of honor, empathy, friendship, and the inherent joy in serving others and his spirit will live on in them.

Tom loved to spend time with family and friends at Big Sand Lake, hike in the Arizona mountains with his sweetheart and wife of 36 years, Christy, and defeat his children at Scrabble. As a grandfather, a role he cherished, Tom never missed an opportunity to make his grandchildren smile and was never more content than with a baby in his arms. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten by the many whose lives he touched. 

The son of the late Paul J. Marnell and Margaret M. (Dwyer) Marnell, Tom was one of 11 children. He grew up in a big, loving family in Northbrook, IL and graduated from St. Norbert's Elementary School, Glenbrook North High School, USF, and John Marshall Law School. A lawyer, Tom started his career with the Cook County Public Defender's office and later worked for five years as an assistant Illinois attorney general before beginning a 30-year career with Travelers Insurance Company, where he represented Travelers' insureds in state and federal court in multiple practice areas. In 2002, he headed a law firm that bore his name (Marnell & Associates) and in 2007 was promoted to Regional Counsel with employees across the United States and Canada. In July 2017, Tom was promoted to Group General Counsel for Travelers with oversight for its 1200 Staff Counsel employees. Known for his integrity and amiability, Tom earned the respect and affection of his adversaries in legal matters and was beloved by his colleagues and friends.