James T. "Tom" McKernan of Hermitage passed away at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2017, in Butler VA Community Living Center. He was 75.

Mr. McKernan was born April 5, 1942, in Ford City, PA, a son of John and Wilma (Emminger) McKernan. He was a 1960 graduate of Ford City High School and received his associate degree in business administration at Penn State, Shenango Campus. He served his country in the US Army during Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic.

Tom was employed for 21 years at former National Castings, Division of Midland Ross Corp, Sharon; Valley Mold and Iron Co., Hubbard, OH; Eljer Manufacturing, Salem, OH; and retired in 2004 as production manager at CCL Container, Hermitage.

Tom was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Sharon. He was a life member of Hickory VFW, post#6166, Hermitage; and a member of the American Legion, post#299, Sharon. He enjoyed bowling and golfing in various leagues throughout the years. Most of all, Tom cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, the former Susan Beno, whom he married on June 29, 1968, in Ford City; two daughters, Lisa Aloi and her husband David, Sylvania, OH; and Lori Tumpak and her husband James, Hermitage; five grandchildren, Nathan and Morgan Aloi; Luke Krivosh; and Jamie and Alex Tumpak; six sisters, Jean Ann Bowser and her husband Gerald, East Brady, PA; Joan Peters and her husband Robert, Sharpsville; Mary Cline and her husband Kenneth, New Wilmington; Bonny Sheesley and her husband Carl, Greenville; Rose Brindger and her husband Andrew, Valdosta, GA; and Debbie McKernan, Ford City; three brothers, Robert McKernan and his wife Veronica, Ford City; Jack McKernan and his wife Karen, Kittanning, PA; and Richard McKernan and his companion Sharon, Ford City; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece, Diana Peters.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to either, VA Hospice, C/O Butler VA Community Living Center, 325 New Castle Rd., Butler, PA 16001; or St. Joseph's Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

The family would like to thank the staffs of UPMC Horizon Oncology, Family Hopsice, the Butler VA Hospice, and Dr. Dean Petrucci for their loving and supportive care of Tom and his family during this difficult time.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7p.m. Friday (10/13/2017) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10a.m. Saturday (10/14/2017) in St. Joseph's Church, Sharon, with Rev. Thomas Whitman, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.