Former AFT vice president and Chicago Teachers Union president Thomas H. Reece died Sept. 17 at Rush North Shore Medical Center in Skokie, Ill., of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 68. Reece served as CTU president from 1994 to 2001 and also as president of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and as an AFT vice president during that same period. He took over as interim president of CTU on the death of CTU president Jacqueline Vaughn in January 1994 and was elected to his first full term the following May.

 "Tom, as everyone called him, had an incredible dedication to our members and all working people in Chicago," said CTU president and AFT vice president Marilyn Stewart in a statement. "His devotion to the Chicago Public Schools and the trade union movement was strong and unshakable to the end. Because of his love of this great city and its people, he worked his entire life to improving their lives."

Reece joined the CTU staff as a part-time employee in 1980 and became financial secretary in 1982 and then a vice president under Vaughn in 1987. He previously was a teacher at Bradwell Elementary School and then at Walt Disney Magnet School, where he also was an assistant principal (see also Chicago Tribune obituary).

"He was a poet by nature but his strength, resilience and keen intelligence will be missed by scores of us as we build on his legacy," said Stewart.

Reece is survived by his wife Marilynn, son Eric, and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, Sept. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Michigan Ave. and Delaware Place in Chicago. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of the CTU, 222 Merchandise Mart, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60654.

September 20, 2006