E. Allan Tomey: 1940-2017

E. Allan Tomey, retired instructor of urban programs in graduate education and former director of the SLU master's degree program in urban affairs, died May 24. He was 76.

Tomey, a graduate of Northwestern University, was a member of the SLU faculty for more than four decades. His colleague, James Gilsinan, Ph.D., said Tomey was committed not only to academic knowledge but also to his students.

"Professor Tomey embodied SLU's commitment to be men and women for and with others,” Gilsinan said. “He was well known for his research and leadership in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor focusing on transitioning high risk youth to the world of work. His teaching focused not just on concepts but on contacts, so students truly understood and appreciated the importance of urban economic development for improving the lives of others. More than one student remarked that after one of his classes that they no longer thought of economics as the ‘dismal science!'”

Tomey is survived by his wife Sandy; children Steven Tomey, Douglas Tomey, Susan Kunz, Stacy Mirkay, Laura Zorko and the late David Tomey; and 12 grandchildren. He was the son of the late Louis R. and Grace Tomey.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, May 31, at Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin, Missouri.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis. Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.