Thomas E. Mulvihill, 68, passed away quietly at home surrounded by his loving family on
Thursday, June 18th. He was a beloved son of John and Mary Jane Mulvihill; he is survived by
the love of his life and wife for 45 years, Mary; daughter Meghan Taylor and son-in-law Bill
Taylor; son Michael Mulvihill and daughter-in-law Michelle; son Thomas Mulvihill and
daughter-in-law Megan. The true joy of his life were his seven grandchildren: Gavin, Mairin,
Landon, Colin, William, Cameron, Hudson. He was a revered brother, uncle, cousin, Coach and
friend to so many.
Affectionately known as “Tom the Tutor”, he owned and operated the Webster Groves Learning
Center for over 30 years, providing one on one academic enrichment to local grade school and
high school students primarily focused on reading, writing and math. His patented educational
philosophy was rooted in building confidence in his students and helping them uncover a belief
in themselves, to which countless former students can attest.
He made his biggest impact through local nonprofit Friends of Kids with Cancer. At the
organization’s inception, Tom created the Educational and Motivational Assistance Program
(EDMAP), providing academic support for kids in treatment for cancer and their siblings. Making
daily visits to the pediatric oncology centers at Mercy and Cardinal Glennon Hospitals, his main
goal was to bring a smile to the face of kids battling this terrible disease. He not only did that, he
brought a true sense of comfort and joy to kids and their families when they needed it the most.
In addition to the hospital visits, he would use his office in Webster to work with kids in
outpatient care, survivors of cancer, and their siblings. In 2016, he was the first and only
non-Cardinal Glennon employee to earn the Ambassador Choice Award for Exceptional
Service. He was beloved not just for the knowledge he imparted, but the warmth felt by his
students and the belief they gained in themselves.
He had a passion for basketball, serving as the varsity Head Basketball Coach for Nerinx Hall
High School from 1991-1997. He won 113 games in six seasons, taking the Markers to the
Quarterfinals and earning Metro Coach of the Year. He coached his children’s teams at Holy
Redeemer, hanging city/county banners with his daughter Meghan and created the select team
Air Missouri for his sons Michael and Thomas. Through many years, he helped impart
knowledge of the game, but his players always took away more about their own ability to grow
and overcome obstacles in their lives beyond basketball.
Thousands of St. Louis youth have been positively impacted by Tom the Tutor. However, the
true light of his life were his grandchildren. His most cherished memories came from helping
them learn, even running Zoom tutoring sessions this past spring with them. He loved going to
their games, getting to know his grandchildren’s teammates and aiding his own children as their
coaches. Everyone loved Tom at gyms and soccer fields all over St. Louis, with the minor
exception of the referees. The family loved taking trips together, often visiting the shores of Lake
Michigan, the mountains of Colorado or the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico.
In the end, his greatest comfort was the person by his side for over 50 years, Mary Hughes
Mulvihill. He counted himself fortunate to be holding her hand as he departed towards his
eternal glory.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Friends of Kids with Cancer EdMAP program would be
appreciated. An outdoor celebration of life will take place on Saturday, June 27th at 10 a.m. at
Eden Theological Seminary. Details can be found through this link:
https://tinyurl.com/TomtheTutor
The greatness of a man, what makes him truly rich is, in the end, we should count how many lives he’s touched and made better and how much love he’s spread around. Tom was so very great and very rich.
This is just beautiful. I think one of the ways that he helped build confidence in kids (and adults) was through the gift of showing amazement. He celebrated even the tiniest of accomplishments with genuine enthusiasm. I am so sad for all who knew him and those who didn’t get the chance to. May you all feel the comfort of the love that surrounds you as we all remember him.
Your beautiful tribute to your dear father moved our hearts. You all loving walked with him to the finish line, showing the great love of your family. Our hearts are breaking for you; our prayers are with you.
He sounds like a wonderful man.
Tom was my only brother and I loved him from the bottom of my heart. My heart aches for Mary, her kids and grandkids. But I also feel a great deal of pride for who my brother was and the way he lived his life. He was all about love and service. (And humor, and justice, and sports, and cars, and family). He once told me he felt like a rich man because of his family and all the love he was surrounded by. I look at his family, and I think he may have been the richest man to ever walk this earth.
To the entire Mulvihill family, I’m so very sorry for this void that has been created with the loss of Tom. However, that void is being filled with all the positive influences he provided throughout his lifetime. How lucky the world has been to have him for 67 years.
Beautiful soul ❤️
Colleen I have never met your brother but his obituary helped me know who he was too many and for that reason I mourn deeply with you and your family and all of those he touched. What an amazing man that this earth was blessed with. I’ll be thinking of and praying with and for you and your family. If you need anything your work family is here for you.
I was sorry to see where Tom passed. I knew him from Holy Redeemer parish. His son Tom and my son, Dan, were classmates at Holy Redeemer. Dan had ADHD and went to Tom numerous times at his office on Big Bend for counseling. I also enjoyed Tom when he coached basketball at Nerinx. He was a great guy and will be missed.
What an incredible example he sets for us all. I’m sorry I didn’t get the chance to meet him.
Now I know a bit more about how you, Meghan, became such a good teacher.
My family knew him from the Costas center at Cardinal Glennon. He was a great man! Incredible kindness!
Tom was such a great guy. My kids all looked forward to seeing him when their brother, Luke, had an appointment at Costas Center at Cardinal Glennon. Luke especially liked playing trash. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace, amen. We are sorry for your loss… toy are in or prayers.
To all of you. Let love and wonderful memories hold you all close. What wonderful testaments to a man who impacted so many lives..My deepest sympathies to all of you..
Upon reading the obit in the paper I immediately flashed back to 8th Grade class with Sr. Marie Regina at Holy Redeemer. Tom sat in a row to my left. I have a memory of Tom being able to force cigarette smoke up from his lungs and out his mouth. I have no memory of why he did this in the middle of class, but he did. I was very impressed. According to end of school predictions: “The Trouble with Angels or A DAY IN THE DEATH OF A HOLY REDEEMER GRADUATE; Have you ever wondered what would REALLY happen to these 8th grade darlings if they ever reached that swingin’ place in the sky? Standing outside the gates are the pitchfork boys – Gaskill, Mulvihill, Perez and Thompson, up to their mischief as usual.” 1966 8TH GRADE WILL TO THE 8TH GRADE OF 1967: Tom Mulvihill wills his general appearance to Jim Dwyer. Reading Tom’s obituary I am even more impressed with Tom. He was able to fill his life with good works and a loving family. Mary and family, I am sorry for you loss.
Tom the Tutor will be greatly missed. My 5 year old daughter studied with him, until she was 8 when cancer took her life. She (and our entire family loved Tom and we will always remember the great impact he had on our lives. To his family, please accept our most sincere condolences. Rest easy in Heaven Tom. You’ll never be forgotten
Both of my sons, Jake and Aidan, studied with Tom. I would nestle in his office couch and rest (setting a timer incase I fell asleep!) listening to his friendly, enthusiastic voice trying to figure out where the boys were in their studies prioritizing any last minute emergency assignments, checking grades, friends, and general gauge on their life. As the studying continued, you could hear bits of advice about something they might have shared earlier, questions regarding their interests/sports, idea on how to improve something, tender empathy regarding a struggle. Tom was special. He comforted, encouraged and left people better from knowing him. When speaking of Tom, I often said I was thinking about putting him on my Christmas card. He felt like a member of our family.
Forever grateful for his presence on earth. Thank you Lord for crossing our paths.
Tom was an amazing man. I will never forget the way he was with my Alec in Costas center at Cardinal Glennon. The countless card games he would play, the support he gave him when he thought he may lose his arm and not be able to play baseball anymore. I can only imagine the wonderful reunion he had with Alec and so many other children in heaven. Sending so much love to his family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
This man meant the world to me. I worked with him at the cancer clinic for over 20 years. He made me laugh and we shed some tears together. He personified greatness, love, gentlenous, and kindness. He will always be in my heart.
Such a good soul. Tom will always hold a special place in our hearts. He was such a bright light for our Andy, while he went through treatment at Dr. Bob’s. No matter how horrible Andy felt, Tom could always get a smile out of him. Even these 17 years later, I can still hear them both laugh and Tom say “Why I oughta….” and pretend he was gonna “clobber” Andy. I was very blessed for having known him…he truly was one of the GOOD guys!
Sending heartfelt condolences from California to all the Mulvihills for the loss of Tom, one of God’s greatest “cheerleaders”; truly one of the good guys. I first met this fine family over fifty years ago through Mary Jane, my sweet boss at the bakery inside the National food store. I have fond, but hazy, memories of Tom driving his T-bird and working at the station with his dad, Eileen and I selecting and sewing yellow material for bridesmaids dresses, and my old car catching fire in front of the house!
May your loving memories replace your broken hearts and be certain there are Irish eyes smiling down on the legacy of a life well lived! Amen.
Dearest Mary and family,
The service today was one of the most moving I have ever been to. I learned that the Tom we knew when the four of us were young adults would go on to do amazing things, beyond what we could have ever envisioned at that time. I’m so glad Dave and I were able to celebrate his life with you, and get to know the “whole” Tom better. God’s Peace to all of you–you’ll be OK!
To Tom’s family:
Peace and comfort to you in this time of sorrow.
I met Tom at Cardinal Glennon several years ago when my daughter, Roxy, was undergoing treatments for leukemia. I would bring her older brother, Ruben, with us many times and the two of them really enjoyed sitting at the table with Tom playing Sorry or Go Fish or Crazy 8’s. As they got older, he started working with both of them on homework that they might bring with them. He was a shining light in that hospital for both of them. He was a light for my family during a very trying time. A life well lived!
This is a little late but Tom provided me with individual and group counseling services when I was young and beyond which my school counselors could have provided. I know that I would not be the success in life that I am, without Tom’s influence. My deepest condolences and prayers are with the Mulvihill family.
I am just now aware of Tom’s passing and my condolences to all his loved ones. Tom was an instrumental positive catalyst for my youngest son between 2000 and 2003. I brought my son weekly for almost 2-3 years to meet with Tom for hourly sessions for help related to ADHD and anger management. He was a wonderful mentor and I will forever remain grateful for his calm and supportive demeanor. What an amazing person and his impact on our family will never be forgotten. God bless!