Service Details
A memorial service celebrating Tommy’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on his 74th birthday, Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm.
Also, please remember to come to Tommy’s annual birthday bash on Saturday, June 15th, at Dickie’s beginning at 4:00 pm.
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Miller's FlowersTommy was born on June 14th, 1950 in Denver, Colorado to Richard Thomas Durgom and Mary Mills Durgom. In 1951 the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1955, Interpace Concrete and Pipe opened a branch in Mexico and the family moved to Mexico City. Tommy attended the bilingual American International School where he became fluent in Spanish and English. He excelled at math and sports and found his love for baseball while playing with Las Aguilas Mexico City Little League Team. He was even featured in a book about remarkable child athletes. His athletic achievements continued throughout his childhood and into his college years. In 1965, the family left Mexico and settled in Rockton, Illinois where Durgom Concrete Pipe was headquartered. There Tommy attended Hononegah High School where he was class president, homecoming king and prom king his senior year. He was also an accomplished athlete in golf, football and went to State Tournaments for wrestling. After graduating, Tommy continued his education and athletic career at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He majored in Physical Education with the hopes of becoming a high school coach. After graduating, Tommy was approached by American Motors Corp. to work as an Industrial Engineer. He traveled the United States to automotive plants improving their methods and production for several years until he left to open The Chateau Restaurant in Kenosha. Following, he opened the legendary P.T.’s Lounge in Kenosha. During this time, he also coached Little League baseball and football, where he led several teams to League Championships. He left a lasting impression on many young men whom he mentored and was a father figure to many people throughout his life. Tommy left the bar business in 1993 and went on to sell cars, broker mortgages and other business ventures. He found a “home” when he bought Dickie’s Bar from his dear friend in 2006, a thriving business that has had a positive impact on the community.
After college, Tommy was married to his first wife, Debbie, for a few years. He then married Adell Gray and had one son, Richard “Tom” Durgom III in 1981. They eventually divorced and Tommy did not marry again.
Tommy has spent the rest of his career caring for others and giving back to the community. He is well known for his generosity both towards local charities as well as those in need. He always took the time to listen and help a friend in any way he could. He will be remembered for his warm, gregarious, engaging personality. Every person was made to feel special and important. Tommy was a memorable person, with a huge personality and an even bigger heart. He was never short of friends and welcomed many of them into his extended family. Tommy will be deeply missed.
Tommy is survived by his two sisters, Irene Bruner (Rod) and Christine Tanner (Ken); two nephews, Jonathan and Jordan Bruner; son & daughter-in-law, Tom and Kizzie Durgom; and grandsons, Elijah and Ezra Durgom. He is also survived by his large family of loving friends at Dickie’s.
A memorial service celebrating Tommy’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on his 74th birthday, Friday, June 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm. Visitation will be held in the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Also, please remember to come to Tommy’s annual birthday bash on Saturday, June 15th, at Dickie’s beginning at 4:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Tommy was passionate about helping out his good friend, Danielle Turner-Horenziak, with her current battle with cancer. Thus, contributions may be made to “Dickie’s Bar” in which all donations will be forwarded on to Danielle.
Terri justman says
What perfect and beautiful words describing a wonderful man who I called my friend and will miss dearly. Visiting Racine will never be the same because going to Dickies was always my destination to get that big hug, and laughs with him. I feel extremely blessed to have known him and to loved him. Rest in peace my friend until we meet again 😢❤️
Rick and Heather Schaefer says
Tommy was a wonderful man and loved by all. He was always paying forward! He will be truly missed!
Don & Donna Noel says
What a great life Tommy had, he wasn’t just a pillar to the community, but he was a pillar too many in their lives. His toughness and straightforward attitude made you feel as confident as he did. His love for his family, community, and friends was very special to him and he would do whatever he could to support them. I will miss not seeing him when I come to Racine but his memory will always be strong with us. He was truly one of a kind. Tommy and I used to call each other “brothers from a different mother”. I will truly miss him.
God bless.
Debbi Forgiannu says
I had the honor of meeting Tommy at pts where that was our home away from home he always greeted me with a big hug and kiss 💋. Then he sold us a truck yrs after then recently found him thru my forever friend Mark Sisco with attending many benefits at dickyes .REST IN PEACE TOMMY
Phil Dalton, and the Dalton family says
Rest in peace my friend. You will be remembered by all of us
Thomas LAWRENCE says
Yeah I first met Tommy when he own PT’s I live right down the road and he bought a pickup truck for me about 30 years ago and he ran into my flower bed he felt so bad you wanted to buy me another one but he always remember me when I came in the bar who I was even within years what a nice guy what’s going to be missed
During our last encounter together you were magnificent. Going to miss you Sir Deborah Price says
During our last encounter together you were magnificent. Going to miss you sir
Patty Friss says
Thanks for being a wonderful neighbor, Mr. Tommy! I will miss your warm greetings.
Patty and Fern
Amy Williams (Kierstyn) says
My dad & I went to Dickies quite often. Tommy’s hugs & kisses were the best!! The world is a smaller place without him in it but heaven sure got lucky! Say hi to my dad for me Tommy..see you both when I get there ❤️
Sheila Stoff says
Rest Peacefully Uncle Tommy!
You were a great man who always helped others! You will definitely be missed! I hope you & my Dad Zoltan are finally reunited! I’ll never forget “Big Z” & “Big T!”
Love you to the moon & back!
Hugs & Prayers from AZ!
-Sheila & Valorie Stoff 💐