Chicago, Illinois – Tomasz Gajewski, a beloved member of the Chicago community, passed away on the night of August 20, 2024, at the Illinois Masonic Center. Gajewski, born in 1947, was affectionately known as Tomek or "Professor" by his friends and acquaintances, with whom he shared a love for political and historical discussions, humor, and an unmistakable twinkle in his eye.
Tomasz did not have any family in the United States. His final wish was to be buried alongside his grandparents in the family cemetery in Kaletniki, near Łódź, Poland. To honor this request, his friends and those who cherished his company have launched a fundraiser to cover the costs of his cremation, transportation of ashes, and burial.
Margaret Zawadzka, who is organizing the fundraiser, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, asking for support to fulfill Tomasz’s final wish. The fundraiser, hosted on GoFundMe, has a goal of $3,000, of which $300 has been raised so far from two donations.
One of the posts honoring Tomasz on social media came from Malgorzata Zawadzka, who simply wrote, "Rest In Peace Tom!" This sentiment reflects the deep respect and affection held for Tomasz by those who knew him.
The community is now rallying to give Tomasz the dignified farewell he deserves, a farewell that will see him laid to rest in his homeland, as he wished. Contributions to the fundraiser can be made through the GoFundMe page set up by Margaret Zawadzka. The campaign emphasizes the importance of collective support during this time, urging everyone who knew Tomasz to help make his final journey possible.