CRIME, DUI driver hits elderly Brookfield couple [BF, NR]
Riverside/Brookfield Landmark (Bob Uphues)
The victims were Helen and Francis Lilly.
The man charged with two felony counts of drunk driving for running down and killing an 83-year-old Brookfield resident and severely injuring her 88-year-old husband in the 4000 block of Prairie Avenue on Monday night was out on bond for a charge of driving under the influence in North Riverside just two days before.
North Riverside Police confirmed that Thomas J. Postulka, 45, had been arrested for DUI just after midnight on Jan. 20 after reportedly losing control of his 1999 Pontiac and knocking over a streetlight at the intersection of Cermak Road and First Avenue.
The victims were Helen and Francis Lilly.
posted by Carl Nyberg at
6:16 PM
10 Comments:
this is just so unbelievably sad for all party's. I know tom, I worked with him for 2 years. He was troubled to be sure but this is so horrible. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Lilly and her husband. My prayers are also with Tom and what his future holds. So sad, what a waste.
Sharon
By
Anonymous, at 1:30 PM, January 29, 2007
He definately was NOT troubled and I have known Tom for over 10 years. This is very unfortunate for all the families involved and my heart goes out to Lilly's family and my thoughts and prayers are with the family daily. Tom did not have a drinking problem but a few issues and on medication for pain which may have contributed to this event...
By
Anonymous, at 1:23 PM, January 30, 2007
Refer to anon1 as "Tom is troubled" and anon2 as "Tom had a few issues".
By
Carl Nyberg, at 1:25 PM, January 30, 2007
I have known the Postulka family for years. Tom is a good guy, did not have a drinking problem and I'm sure is horrified by what some poor judgement has now led to. It's a tragedy for all involved. My heart goes out to both families, who were parishioners of St. Barbara. May their faith carry them all through this difficult time.
By
Anonymous, at 2:44 PM, February 07, 2007
Tom spent his time helping disabled people achieve indepenance and mobility. It is a shame what has happened. Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the victims and thier families. Also the Postulka family. This was not like Tom, I am surprised something like this has happened. Just goes to show it can happen to anyone. Surprised his previous employer has no support for all his efforts in his time of need. God Bless the victims for their loss.
By
dmeguys, at 11:09 PM, February 08, 2007
I just want to say this is a very tragic happening. My Heart hurts so-much for everyone that knows these people. I've known Tom for over 15 years. He repaired, assembled, cleaned the grime, fixed, sold (WHEELCHAIRS) Tom helped hundreds if not thousands of disabled people. He was a specialist in the field. I've witnessed him helping so many people be able to become mobile. He showed compassion in his work. This is terrible. Tom I know you didn't set out to do this. You made some big mistakes. Huge!!! I hope the people don't set him out as a monster. Deep down he has a heart of GOLD! My prayers go out to everyone affected by this!!!!my heart is broken again.....If you go to jail, I know that you will still help out disabled people assembling handicapped equipment. I hope this can be your punishment if you are found guilty so you can at least help disabled people while you get better. You must never ever drink again!!!!! Tom YOUR vision I always noticed was not very good and I know this was not from alcohol . God still has a plan for you and you are still thought of in so many ways a human being! Its so unfortunate for the Lilly family i am so sorry that this happened...;( Tom I haven't seen you in a couple years now.....what happened? Mike
By
Anonymous, at 1:21 AM, February 11, 2007
Tom Helped out hundreds if not thousands of disabled people in the medical field. He was a specialist for handicapped people. He asembled wheelchairs with a passion. I've seen him on countless days zipping around in a wheelchair fine tuning them for handicapped individuals! My prayers are with the lilly and postulka families!
By
Anonymous, at 1:30 AM, February 11, 2007
I would like to first of all I would like to tell the Lilly family how sorry I am in the loss of mother and pray that their father will recover. I am grateful that the Lilly's were Christians and knew the Lord and that Tom will not have to bear ending the life of one that did not know Jesus. I have known Tom and his family for over 27 years as I was his sister Nancy's roomate in college. I want Tom and his family to know how much I love them and that they are in our prayers daily and that we are not to question God's plan just be a part of it and try to understand. Both families are on our prayer list at my church here in southern Illinois. "Love" and prayers to all. Your Southern Twin Kelly
By
Anonymous, at 3:35 PM, February 11, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with Tom and Mr.Lily. Helen Lily needs not our prayers for she is with the Lord. Tom is my friend and has made a horrible mistake and some bad life decisions, but he is truly a good person.
So clearly now I see how the media can influence the publics perception. As they have reported the details without all the background information.
So my freinds, as the say, here is the rest of the story. I have know Tom for about 15 years and have never known him to intentionally hurt anyone physically or emotionally, he truly cares for people.
Tom repairs wheelchairs as his trade and allows those people who can not walk a chance to regain their mobility and independence. He has not made a fortune doing this, he has a great compassion for his fellow man and has always relished helping those unable to help themselves.
The remorse Tom feels today will stay with him all his life. Society wil not have to punish Tom, he will do that himself. I truly belieive that all that ask for forgiveness be allowed the oppertuninty to make amends. I am one of Toms freinds and I will let Toms judgement rest with the lord. The lord is a little better at that then I...................A FRIEND
By
Anonymous, at 6:51 AM, February 24, 2007
This truely is a tradgey. I understand that Tom may have led a good life and helped people, but that doesn't change the fact that this could have EASILY been avoided. The death of Helen was causeed because of pure ignorance. Oh, by the way, his blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit. That's just stupidity. Francis Lilly is still in the hospital and probably doesn't know that his wife is dead. All of this was caused because it was inconvenient for him to call someone for a ride.
-Dustin
By
Unknown, at 4:03 AM, February 25, 2007
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