Thomas L. Chelle, age 55, of Hobart passed away May 16, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1969 in Gary, IN. Tom (Tommy as many friends still referred to him) had a big heart and a gentle soul.
Tom is survived by one sister, Carrie (Jerry) Brown and two adoring nephews, Troy Brown and Trent Brown, all of Hobart; beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless heartbroken friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas P. Chelle and Rita (Massey) Chelle. He was Rita’s favorite, hands-down.
Tom was a lifelong Brickie and graduate of Hobart High School Class of 1987. He earned a degree in accounting from Indiana University and used it to work in various positions in the business and data world. However, anyone that spent any time with Tom knew that his real passion was for enjoying anything having to do with the outdoor world. Tom played and excelled at every sport you could think of as a boy, eventually moving on to hiking, mountain and dirt-bike riding, skiing, and even golf as an adult. The time that was spent outdoors was usually pushed to the limits and resulted in a trip to the emergency room with a broken bone or a broken record. “Holding back” was not a phrase that Tom was familiar with in sports or with the fierce love that he had for his family and friends. He looked forward to getting together with friends and family and talking about what everyone had going on in their lives. Tom was loyal and caring and could be counted on in the darkest of times – just not always when it came to showing up when he said he would for dinner and drinks. Tommy was Tommy – he marched to his own beat and didn’t ask anyone else to march along with him. You were just lucky when he came marching your way.
Unfortunately, all of these wonderful qualities that were so obvious to his family and friends were not as obvious to Tom. He will be sorely missed and we will be left with a huge hole in our hearts. The family would appreciate if friends would share memories and photos of Tom with us as it would provide comfort as we navigate our way through this time. An online memorial has been created at My Keeper.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to one of the following organizations that align with Tom’s passions:
Imagination Glen – Outback Trail
Per Tom’s request, there will be no funeral and cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date for friends and family.
Thomas L. Chelle, age 55, of Hobart passed away May 16, 2024. He was born on March 18, 1969 in Gary, IN. Tom (Tommy as many friends still referred to him) had a big heart and a gentle soul. Tom is survived by one sister, Carrie (Jerry) Brown and two adoring nephews, Troy BrownContinue Reading