Thomas Matthew Button

We are deeply saddened to announce that Thomas (“Tommy”) Button entered Eternal Life on the evening of Monday, October 19, 2026. Tommy was 63.

Thomas was born on November 29, 1962, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Walter and Jean (née Lahey) Button. In 1966, his family moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois, where Tommy grew up. He attended St. Peter Lutheran School and Church, where he was raised in the Word and was a very good student-athlete. He then went to Buffalo Grove High School, where he was a varsity wrestler, and graduated with the Class of 1981. He also attended one year at Valparaiso University.

Tommy had a huge heart and loved and cared deeply for his family. Like all of his extended family, Tommy was an animal lover, especially his dog Zeke and his pet birds. He had a tremendous appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed spending time fishing and camping with his family. He also had a talent for cooking and took great pleasure in preparing delicious meals to share with those he loved. Thomas enjoyed handyman work around his home, tending to projects and taking care of things himself.

A devoted sports fan, Tommy especially loved baseball in general and the Chicago Cubs in particular. He was also a loyal Chicago Bears and Bulls fan. He loved following his favorite teams and enjoyed watching sporting events and sharing his thoughts and opinions with those around him.

Thomas is survived by his daughter Cheyenne Button and adopted son, Justin Black-Button; stepchildren Wayne (Wélida) Black and Gina (Patrick) Howell; siblings Cynthia (née Button) Matthews, James (Judy) Button, Patricia Button and Nancy (William) Button; and his Uncle Ray (Aunt Maureen) Lahey. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his older brother David Button, and his nephews David Glen Waue and David Michael Button (and David Michael’s son, Joey Button).

The Button family sends its love and heartfelt appreciation to Laura, the administrator at the complex where Tommy last lived, for her love and support of Tom. Laura helped keep an eye on Tommy and will always remember Tommy for his big smile, friendliness and care and concern for other tenants.

The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the Button family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.