Thomas D. McCloskey, a member of the Kroc Institute Advisory Council, died on October 31, 2004, at the age of 80.

“A warm and gentle man, Tom was a great listener,” said Jack Mullen, council chairman. “After all sides of an issue were vetted, Tom offered opinions that would cut right to the heart of the matter and present a practical, well-reasoned resolution in a friendly and non-threatening fashion. Tom was a unique and talented advisory council member.” In

1986, Mr. McCloskey established the Thomas D. McCloskey, Sr., Peace Scholars Fellowship, which has benefited more than 40 graduates of the Kroc Institute. He also left a bequest to further support institute programs.

“His financial generosity to the Kroc Institute will be treasured, as was he,” said Mullen.

Mr. McCloskey succeeded his father, Matthew McCloskey, as president of McCloskey & Co. Builders. Under his direction, it became the third-largest construction company in the United States. Like his father, he was an avid supporter of the University of Notre Dame. He served on Notre Dame’s engineering advisory council for many years. He joined the Kroc Institute’s advisory council in the fall of 2001. “As a successful businessman, Tom obviously had a sharp eye for detail and shared his considerable knowledge of financial planning as we discussed the implications of Mrs. Kroc’s extraordinary gift,” remarked Scott Appleby, director of the Kroc Institute. “We will miss his good-natured and gentle guidance.”

Mr. McCloskey attended the University of Pennsylvania before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served in the South Pacific. He was owner of the Philadelphia Atoms soccer team, and was active in civic affairs.

He and his wife, Patricia, divided their time between homes in Florida and New Hampshire. In addition to Mrs. McCloskey, he is survived by two sons, two daughters, 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. One granddaughter, Katherine McCloskey Goberman, is a Notre Dame senior with a peace studies minor.

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