Birth date: Mar 14, 1944 Death date: Feb 17, 2021
Thomas A. Weaver Born March 14, 1944 to Dorothy (D. 2013) and Frank Weaver (D. 1989) of York County, PA, Thomas Allen Weaver was the sixth of 11 children, including: Eva Mae, Shirley, Patricia, Jerry, Denny, Kenny, Mike (D. 2015), Read Obituary
I was one of the younger kids in a family of 10 ( I was #9 ), I often mused that mother and dad had two families, there was us younger ones, Jeanne, Mike, myself and John and then there was the older group Shirley, Pat, Jerry, Tom, Denny, & Kenny in that order... I was in the younger family group as Tom was 10 years older than myself... I really don't have a lot of memories of him growing up, but I know he really watched out for us younger ones as a big brother should... One time I do remember and I had to be about 6 or 7 years old we lived in Broadbecks outside of Glen Rock.... Tom has broken his arm somehow and mom and dad had to go someplace for the day and left him in charge of us kids... Lol... Well, with a broken arm he never left that little issue get in his way of him supervising us and making sure us kids did our chores... And expected them done correctly as he would have done... So it is no surprise to me as I have read these other attributes of his leadership as shop steward of his local union and taking care of his family's needs whether it would be Recreation or going to ball games or providing for his family by his work ethics and standing up for those who are less fortunate as well as taking over the leadership as Auctioneer of the Weaver family reunions when brother Jerry was unable to do that... I really wish I had more memories of my brother Tom besides the stories mother used to tell us younger ones about Tom's antics growing up... But this one memory has always stood out for me as Tom had to have been about 16 when we had do to do all these chores .. his leadership showed through during times like this one and others in his young life. I realize now that this is part of what shaped him into being the man he became years later....RIP dear brother Tom..1 These. 4:16-18...until we meet again..
Love
Your little sister
Theresa
Sorry for your loss. We will all miss him. I learned a lot from Uncle Tom. Uncle Tom taught me how important family is. Also the importance work ethic. His tremendous work ethic is something that I have always respected and followed in my own life. I always enjoyed talking with him about unions and basketball. I had so much fun with him at the Weaver reunion. Rest in peace. Brad
This is very hard for me to write for I will always love and miss my brother. I have many memories of Tom as we were always very close. He in many ways was my mentor. Growing up his work ethic was tremendous. Sometimes I thought he never had a childhood because he was always working. Example-cleaning St. Mary’s school on a daily basis when he was in 7th and 8th grade. Tom never played sports in school because of work.He was by far the better athlete in the family- not even close! At my high school basketball games he would be there to cheer me on. I can hear his voice now as this is written. He also taught me how to play football and baseball and to always play hard. Tom had a saying that I always tried to apply in life when things weren’t going good for me - “ when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”Tom was a great American,husband,father and brother. He will be sadly missed by everyone. RIP- love you always. Kenny
Tom's success in life followed his dedication to assisting others as well as the long hours and hard work he practiced all his life. It started on Wellington Street in York where he would help Mr. Heist, an 80 year old blind man. Taking his hand Tom would walk him to the corner cigar store for pipe tobacco; after which he'd earn a nickel. My brother, Tom's, competitiveness was a fixture wherever he went.
On the farm Tom would beat us all in picking tomatoes, green beans, strawberries, peas, potatoes and sweet corn. No one could touch him. He'd beat us fishing, could swim better than us, play baseball, football, basketball and golf. And, while never gloating, he faithfully followed Dad's advice when we were taught to always be as humble in winning as we'd expect our opponent to be gracious in losing. Tom did and it's just one among many fine aspects of his personality that endeared him so much to so many.
It carried him through life so successfully and it was just a small part of what made him so unique. Years later, when I could no longer handle the White Elephant auctioneering duties at the two family reunions each summer, Tom stepped in. And while I had doubts about his auctioneering abilities, he swiftly convinced me how erroneous those doubts were. His skills locked him into the auctioneering position for many summers.
As we age, the family dwindles. Brother Tom left us at such an early age. His premature passing created a deep void within our hearts that can only be filled with time, wonderful memories and family photographs that stir those memories. And that the way our brother would have wanted us to continue this journey we call life.
I join my other siblings when I say for Tom to Rest In Peace.
Dominus Vobiscum. Eccum spiri tu tu al.
Frank (Jerry) Jr. and Peggy A. Weaver
During the past week, I've thought about brother Tom more than usual and have just decided to share some of the more lighthearted--if embarrassing to me at the time--moments of past encounters. Back in the '50s while I was entertaining my first boyfriend in the living room of our house near Potosi in White Oak Valley, we were listening to records of romantic music that he had just brought me. Suddenly, in marched Tom singing animatedly (with gestures) "Splish splash, I was taking a bath..." a silly novelty song from that era. That was followed by another novelty song called "Purple People Eaters"! Being the prim and proper person that I was, I was so embarrassed by his behavior, but the boyfriend was amused and laughed. He was constantly amused by the antics of our large family, especially since he had just one brother and not used to the commotion of a large family. Tom was mischievous and enjoyed upsetting me.
Tom could be oblivious at times, it seems. Some years ago when our children were younger, we were having one of our get-togethers during the summer here at our home and Tom and family were invited along with the siblings from York County. While the others were already here--gathered out in the yard, Tom arrived later--alone-and walked into our neighbor's house next to us and went directly to use their powder room on the first floor. The neighbors, both being Phila. police officers, were at home and not
frightened by this intruder, amusedly watched this going on. When he came out, he asked them where Shirley was. (He figured they were also guests and our homes have the same floor plan.) Tom was told that she was next door in her backyard. And he thanked them and walked out their back door and came over to us. I happened to learn about it at the end of the day after all visitors had left to return home. Was I embarrassed! But our neighbors took it in stride and laughed about the incident. (And this was not his first visit here.)
That was also Tom --mischief and unexpected antics at times, but always loving, opinionated and direct with what he had to say. I shall miss my dear brother.
Shirley Indictor
I am experiencing, as each of us are, an emptiness in my life and heart, no more to see and hear, except in photos, videos, and memories, that friendly, caring, vigilant, energetic, and ever so thoughtful persona of my Father-in Law, Thomas A. Weaver.
We're here to commemorate a great common man - common in his social & economic standing, but uncommonly outstanding in his devotion to his family, and in his strong convictions of working to make the world a better place for all. This is evidenced by his persistent, life-long efforts to better the lives of those he could, especially the middle and lower socio-economic classes, with whom he had strong bonds - materially, politically, and philosophically. A 'bleeding heart' liberal, he was not, but a sensible man who believed in political freedom and in helping people to help themselves, which he often had the opportunity to do as Stewart of his Local Union. A Union in which he played various roles, from grass roots organizing, to being a very active Union Stewart, constantly fighting for the rights of his fellow workers until he retired.
He often talked about these efforts, quite emphatically at times, and would bring out a copy of a petition filed with the Labor Board or the Courts, and we would discuss the generalities of these filings. Several times we'd discuss replies that he had received from State Representatives about some legal collective bargaining issues that he'd addressed to them. I always admired his diligence and enthusiasm in these matters, and felt privileged that he shared them with me.
On a more personal level, he was the very best Father-in-Law that I could ever have hoped for, and the very best Grandfather that Melissa and I could ever have hoped for our children. From the first time I met him, I was impressed by his spontaneity and generous nature; he had just bought a new car, a Malibu, I believe, and to the disbelief of his wife and daughters, offered to give me the keys to take it for a spin.
As Grandfather to our children, he was extremely devoted, often coming over to PA. from N.J., to see them, or attend sporting events, school functions, or take them out to a movie. Then there were the longer trips, like to Hershey Park, Gettysburg, or Williamsburg. Yes, he was a bit of a history buff!
And then there were the Holidays! As time went on, the family got larger, and his son, Bobby married and his other daughter, Julie, married and each had children, so trips to Hershey Park and other places included everyone, which was quite a large group, with Pop Pop organizing the trip and leading the gang! He was always timely, and he'd be there to meet us when the park opened, and we'd be there till the park closed, and he showed no evidence of ever getting tired, as energetic at the end of the day as at the beginning! When Hershey Park got rained out once halfway through the day, we were bummed, and ready to leave, but he wasn't about to let his family lose out on a day of
fun - he surprised us all by going into the office and coming out with tickets for us all that they gave him as reimbursement for another full day, and courtesy tickets for lunch before we left!
And, as Grandparents and Mothers and Fathers in Law go, Granny and Pop Pop provided such great and memorable times at their house on Holidays, especially Christmases and Independence Days, where they both went all out to make sure everyone had a good time.
Well, it might seem that my note here is getting a little lengthy, but I could never find enough ways to say that I love and will always miss Thomas Weaver, the very best Father-in-Law that anyone could ever hope for!
