Chicagoan Tom Koontz, formerly a sales representative with the Chicago Free Press, passed away Feb. 29. He was 56.

Koontz, who was born in Plymouth, Ind., and graduated from Indiana University, lived for many years in Puerto Rico, where he founded a bilingual GLBT newspaper, the Puerto Rico Breeze, in 1994.

Koontz was awaiting a liver transplant, but was always hopeful, according to his roommate, Louis Weisberg.

“He had a great team of doctors and was very confident in them,” Weisberg said, adding, “It was nice that he was (back) here and close to his family.”

Koontz was full of optimism and was “an inspiration to be around every day,” Weisberg said. “He was constantly reminding me of the wonderful things around us.”

Koontz is survived by his parents, Donald and Betty, sisters Trudy and Terry and niece Mindy. Details on a memorial service will be forthcoming.

—M.S.