Thomas E. Harvey, 78, of Rockford passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, in Mercy Hospital. He was born April 30, 1943, in Rockford the son of Charles and Mary Harvey. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict. He went on to work at Valspar for over 25 years, retiring in 2007.

Survivors include his three children; Monica (Leonard) Durfey of Mesa, AZ, Dr. Matthew Hagemeyer of Ogden, UT, and Patrick Harvey of Rockford. Grandchildren; Kara Durfey, Olivia (Jake) Ward, Leeandra Durfey, Leonard Durfey III, and Samuel Durfey. Joshua (Mckell) Hagemeyer, Sebastian, Anthony (Jocelyn), and Elliot Hagemeyer. Seven great-grandchildren. Sisters; Kay (Lee) Jackson, Deborah Curry, and Dawn Sweeney. Brother-in-law; Gregory Bartholomew. Sister-in-law; Janet Tormanen. Predeceased by his parents. Son; Thomas. Daughter-in-law; Tamara Hagemeyer. Sister; Dixie Earls. Brother; Chester. Mother of his children; Gail.

Tom was a very loving father. He often worked two jobs to make sure his family had everything they needed. He was always the “my children first” kind of guy. Between making breakfast, packing our lunches & writing funny names on our bags, he always showed us a little extra love. Most people saw him as an ordinary guy but to us, he was extraordinary. He raised everyone as his own. Tom helped raise our cousins throughout their teenage years. His heart was very open. He mentored us and instilled family values and good morals. He was always encouraging and supportive. He didn’t have much to say but he was always there to listen and more importantly he showed us how much he loved us. Even with two dollars in his pocket, he was always happy to give it to us so we could go buy ice cream & candy from the campground. The grandkids gave him the nickname of “Grandpa Donuts”. They would watch him pull up to the driveway and get out of his car with a huge box of donuts. The joy from their faces was priceless. Tom often drew many characters for all of the children; dragons, monkeys, and of course Bugs Bunny which led to imitating Looney Tunes and reminiscing his Navy days and his bugs bunny tattoo on his arm. Tom always enjoyed being with his family especially when he was asked to help with projects. Some days it would just be handing tools, other days he would be tearing off a roof or pulling out an engine with his son-in-law Leonard. Tom cherished reminiscing about his brother Chester and their good times: jokes, friendship, music, and laughter. After retirement, Tom lived with his boys Patrick and Jake who would always take care of one another. After Jake passed in 2008, Tom and Patrick became inseparable. Patrick took the responsibility of caring for Tom until his passing. Tom liked long drives to particularly nowhere, sitting on his couch watching TV and short walks through Sinissippi Park. He stayed in touch with Matt and Tami through frequent phone calls with his daughter-in-law to get the newest updates on how the boys were doing.

Tom always wanted to know how everyone was doing and always checked on the grandkids and great-grandkids, he had just learned about his first great-grandson, Benjamin being born.

Tom, a son, a brother, a father, and a grandparent will forever be missed. We will carry his memories with us always and his love in our hearts.

And dad, “Hoona Hoona Wizzy Wizzy Huuh!”

Funeral Mass at 10 AM on Friday, February 25, 2022, in St Edward Catholic Church, 3004 Eleventh Street, Rockford. Visitation from 5 PM until 7 PM Thursday, February 24 in Tony Gasparini Funeral Chapel, 6825 Weaver Road, Rockford. The burial will be on Saturday, February 26 at 10 AM in Calvary Cemetery.