Raymond Thomas (Tom) Milord, 90, of Boynton Beach, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family November 18, 2014. He is survived by his devoted wife Stephanie (nee Kluck), and the late Rita (nee O'Reilly); Loving father of Raymond, Daniel, Jerome (Mary), Brian, William (Donna) and Mary Frances; Proud grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 3; dear brother of the late James, Jane Ardizzone, the late EileenZuro, and Paul (Maureen); fond uncle of numerous nieces and nephews; fond stepfather of Stacy (Tony), Ryan and step grandfather of 2.
Tom was born and raised in Chicago, grew up in St. Killian's parish, and attended St. Rita's high school and Loras College. He proudly served our country in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was stationed at Tinian Island in the Pacific, where the plane carrying the Enola Gay departed.
As a young man, he worked with his father and brother reconstructing the Chicago stockyards for major meatpacking companies. After the war he took control of the family business, the R.T. Milord Company, general contractors. Through the years he worked closely with the Archdiocese of Chicago and built many schools and churches in the Chicagoland area. In partnership with a renowned architect, they built the first condominiums in Chicago.
In the early 70's he expanded the company to Florida and developed many fine upscale communities and custom residences.
Tom was an avid golfer and once played golf with Sam Snead (and lost). Tom loved to travel and took many memorable trips. He was a great storyteller and some of them were even true.
He was an active member of many organizations, Tolentine Augustinian College Seminary "Man of the Year", Knights of Columbus, Beverly CC, Ridge CC and Butterfield CC in the Chicago area. In Florida, he was a member of Quail Ridge CC, Pine Tree CC and Delray Dunes CC.
Tom was bigger than life, well loved, respected and a very generous man that supported numerous charities. Both reverent and irreverent, stoic and joyful, he was the light of our lives!
A visitation will be held from 2-4pm and 6-8pm Friday, November 21, 2014 at Boynton Memorial Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10am Saturday, November 22, 2014 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Boynton Beach, FL with interment to follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach, FL.