Tom passed away on February 28, 2021, after suffering ongoing health issues resulting from Agent Orange exposure.
Tom was born on March 14, 1945, to the late John and Nicoletta (nee Mustas, Flessas) Drilias and grew up in Glendale, Wisconsin.
He is survived by family including his daughter Leah (Michel) Boudreaux and brother Bill (Jean) Drilias. He will be missed by nieces and nephews: Matthew (Katie Hunt) Drilias, Elizabeth (Mike) Elgar, Nicoletta (Max Burke-Scoll) Drilias, and Sam (Emma) Drilias. He is further survived by his brother-in-law Bert Goldthwaite, and many cousins, including special bonds with his cousins Sarah Drilias and Audrey Dulmes. In the past 5 years, he developed a close friendship with his former wife and again friend Deborah Fries. Tom treasured ties to his extended family in Illinois, Indiana and Zacharo, Greece, especially the Chioros and Vrehas families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Christine Goldthwaite and his dear friend Mardee Kravit. Tom had many friends but his family is particularly grateful for his long friendships with Jack Koshik, Tony Machi, Kathy Kranstover and Bob Emery, and the Pecor Family, and his newer but deep friendships in Oconomowoc, where so many people exemplified what it looks like to show up for your neighbor.
Tom was a veteran of the Vietnam War, who served as a US Air Force Medic in Vietnam for 18 months at Bien Hoa Air Force Base. Following military service, he studied political science at UW-Milwaukee, and it was during a summer break that he began working for Henry Jordan at Summerfest. What was at first a part-time job generated a life-long career in events and entertainment that took him around the world. Tom founded Festivals, Inc. which created Chicagofest, Taste of Chicago, Taste of Minnesota, Taste of Colorado, Milwaukee a la Carte, Maritime Days, and many more.
Tom loved to entertain, whether he was producing a food festival, cooking for friends, or telling a story. Even as his health suffered, he took pride in his gardening and his ability to prepare gourmet Greek dishes for those he loved. He was an ardent fan of diverse tastes: all things Greek, Bob Dylan, fishing on Lake Michigan, and Marquette Basketball.
Because of COVID, private services were held at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.
For memorial contributions, the family has designated Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin or the charity of your choice.