Obituary: Thomas Jose Figueroa (2004 - 2021)

Thomas Jose Figueroa, 17, of Rockton, IL went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 23, 2021.

He was born April 27, 2004 in Woodstock, IL. He is the son of Antonio Figueroa and Kelli Stott (Slaughter). Thomas was a student at Hononegah High School. He was known to friends and family as an intelligent young man. In Tom's school career he played football and wrestled. He enjoyed skating with his friends and family. Thomas had an infectious smile that lit up a room. He was a man of many ideas on any given day. He had dreams of pursuing any avenue possible to become a millionaire. He was on a mission to become physically massive, and his efforts at the gym had noticeable results. Thomas had a way of bringing out the best in everyone. He was able to meet his twin in life, Mr. Quinn James. His lifetime best friend was his big brother Tony. They have an unbreakable bond that even death cannot break. He was an amazing big brother to Natalyia (Yaya) and Gianna - he made sure to check in on them, annoy them, make periodic runs to Starbucks and always make them laugh.

Being missed will be an understatement and life will never be the same.

So far, community members have donated more than $8,000 in a GoFundMe campaign in his memory.

The organizers wrote:

On Friday, July 23rd, the Figueroa/Stott family lost a son, a brother, a grandson, a cousin, and a friend. Thomas Figueroa was the kind of person who made people smile just by being in the room. He was so kind hearted, an old soul who cared so much and so deeply. Thomas touched the lives of so many, who now have to figure out how to navigate without him.

The outpouring of support has been tremendous, with so many people wanting to know how they can help. Our hope is that if we can help the family in some practical ways and with some expenses that none of us ever dream of having, they can focus on each other during this terribly difficult time

Survivors included father Antonio (Leydi) Figueroa, mother Kelli (Dan) Stott; brothers Tony and Andrew; sisters Yaya and Gianna; stepsister Skylar; paternal grandmother Elizabeth North; maternal grandmother and step grandfather Kathy and James Grant; maternal grandfather Kyle Slaughter; maternal great-grandmother Charlene Slaughter; godparents Cesar Rojas, Veronica Figueroa; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased in death by paternal grandfather Julian Figueroa.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Old Stone Church, 101 East Union Street, Rockton, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until time of service in the church. McCorkle Funeral Home- Rockton Chapel assisted the family.