Thomas Joseph Millard of Seminole, FL,  Tampa, FL and Chicago, IL passed away on June 21, 2023 a few weeks after his 85th birthday, his 5th wedding anniversary and 15th year of partnership to his loving husband John Zapetis.

Tom was born May 31, 1938 to parents Frank and Rose (Robinson) Millard of Chicago, IL.  Tom graduated from Fenwick High School in 1956.  He obtained his Bachelors Degree in Mathematics with a minor in Education from Loyola University in 1960.  During his college years was a member of Teke Tau Kappa Epislon fraternity house.  It was at this time he earned the nickname "Dolly" for his uncanny skill of being the resident matchmaker and the life of the party.  His first job during high school was at Marshall Fields department store in the artificial flower section but was soon promoted to the gift wrapping department during the busy Christmas Holiday season.  Right after college, he became a math teacher for De La Salle Institute. It is an all-boys Catholic high school and worked there for 36 years from 1961 until his retirement in 1997.  Loved by students and faculty alike, Tom worked his way up to become the head of the Math Department and was Math Chair for 21 years from 1969 through 1990.  While working, he earned his Masters Degree in Mathematics.  He was also the head of the computer division for the school and the computer instructor in the days of punch cards. As technology advanced, he set up computer labs when Texas Instruments computers were available for students to learn basic programming.

Tom was the moderator of the school's yearbook, The Meteor, for 13 years from 1963 through 1976. He opened the doors of his home for the students to come over and organize the photographs the students had taken themselves for the project.  Each year the book had a unique theme. The artistic students took full advantage of creating memorable works of art that would become their classmates permanent momento.  He was especially proud of the 1965 and 1966 editions and held on to them until his death.  He was also the moderator for the school's chess club for many years as well.

After retirement, he was a 20 year member of Tampa's Straz Center for the performing arts.  He was the webmaster for Jim Garciga travel agency.  He created a popular local dining club known as 619 that visited a different restaurant in the area each month.

Tom was a member of Christ The King (Tampa) and more recently Saint Matthews (Largo) Catholic churches.

He was preceded in death by his mother Rose, father Frank, step mother Frances and younger brother Robert.

Tom is survived by his husband John Zapetis of Seminole,FL , Sister in Law Gail Millard of CA, nephew Sean Millard and his wife Cassandra and grandnephew Bobby Tate Millard of CA, nephew Scott Millard and his wife Jessica Marvel of IN. He is also survived by John's siblings; Richard and June Heinle of NJ, Julie Adams of FL, Jeff and Janice Baker of MA, James and Chris Zapetis of NY, Joseph and Lisa Zapetis of MA, and many nieces and nephews.

Tom is survived by his friends in Chicago, IL: Frank Mustari, Jim Brophy, Michael Kutza, Larry and Mary Pat Wenshutonis, Jack Delaney and Scott Stillman, Darr Gapshis and Ken Galvin. He is also survived by the many friends of Chicago theatre, the Christian Brothers at De La Salle and the 36 years of students whom he served.

Tom was preceded in death by his friends in Chicago, IL: Barbara Silski, Buddy Vicich, Robert Myers, Robert Styles (his partner for over 10 years), Conley Owens (his partner for 27 years), and a handful of his fraternity brothers.

Tom is survived by his friends in Tampa, FL: Charlie Berryman, Chuck Bumpus, Dennis Kuharski, Trudi Segal, Barbara Smith, Al Horner, Sonny Ebert, Sharon & Lawence Potter, Bob Cross, Ed Dalton, Bob Hayes, Sonny Ebert, Bob McNair, John Hunter, Chris Gunter, David Ruppel and Mikey, Charles White and Michael Porter, Joel Watkins, Steve Farst, Steve Deal, Ruth Delaney, Frank Edwards, as well as his doctors, dentist and associates.

Tom was preceded in death by his Tampa 619 dining club members: Jim Gasser, Bob Borg, Raymond Mitchell, Craig Webb, Paul Cox, George Arroyo, Gene Runnels, Les Quinn, and his best and first friend in Tampa, Nick Vega.

He was preceded in death by his longtime feline companions: Cleo (Cleopatra) which was his rock during his first settlement in Florida, and previous cat Nefer (Nefertiti) in Chicago.

Tom is survived by his friends in Seminole, FL: Hank Sharp, Jay Azneer, Walter Jacobson, Richard Padilla, Ken Gitman, as well as his neighbors and the staff of Lake Seminole Square Independent Living Facility.

Tom's ashes will be laid to rest in the Columbarium of the Pontiffs at Queen of All Saints Mausoleum in Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to his favorite charity: The Make a Wish Foundation; or even support your local musical theatre in his honor.

Tom Millard was everybody's friend, a warm companion and loving partner and husband.  His magnetic charm, intelligence, dry wit sense of humor, and friendly personality will be missed tremendously by all who had the privilege of knowing him.  He was always willing to listen to those in need and find a way to break down the walls of even the quietest and shy individuals he came across.  His spirit would drive him to take the lonely and confused to meet new people and explore new places to get them out of their shell.  He would always remember not only to send birthday and anniversary cards to friends and family, but would even create cards based on a person's preference of pets.  He was organized and loved to research and plan for trips, vacations and scrutinized all options to make for a great getaway.  He loved great restaurants and loved to cook and entertain at many parties he'd host at his house.  His passion for musical theater started at a young age when his father took him to his first Broadway show: Damn Yankees.  From that moment on he was hooked.  Traveling here in the states and abroad to see shows that tickled his fancy.  He saved every Playbill from every show dating back to the 1950s!  Cities to see shows included Chicago, New York, London, Toronto and Tampa.  While teaching he loved to jump on a last minute flight from Chicago to Las Vegas to see the Jubilee show, enjoy endless buffets, night clubs and performances like Sammy Davis Jr., Liberace, Tina Turner and Siegfried and Roy.  In his retirement, he loved to visit Amsterdam, London and Paris, cruise the Caribbean, visit Walt Disney World, visit Las Vegas, support local theater and enjoy each and every moment.  May we find solace in knowing he was spared from hereditary dementia, long illnesses or chronic pain.  Taken too soon from us but will always be loved, remembered and cherished.  Goodbye Sweetheart, until we meet again.