Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday (8-18-09) for Thomas L. Schooley, 864 Rogers Road. New Castle, Pa. who passed away peacefully at 1:25 p.m. on Saturday (8-15-09) at his residence after a long battle with cancer. He was 83.
He was born on November 6, 1925 in New Castle, Pa., the son of the late William P. and Mary M. Preisel Schooley.
Tom worked as the manager of the Jersey Jug Dairy in Hickory Township. He eventually became the owner and retired in 1972 with 30 years of service. He also worked for Four Ways Lawn Mower Service, and the United States Postal Service in the Volant Post Office.
He was a member of St. James the Apostle Church, New Bedford, Pa., and was an active member of their Men's group. He also served as a School Board Director for the Laurel School District.
Some of his hobbies included woodcarving, gardening and canning, quilting, and crocheting. He also loved to do small engine repairs for his family and friends.
A decorated veteran of WWII, Tom served with the United States Army Air Force. He was honorably discharged May 11, 1946 with the Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and ultimately the WWII Victory medal.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he found his greatest joy when devoting his time to his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His wife of 62 years, the former Betty J. Flynn whom he married on February 8, 1947, survives at home.
He also leaves his two daughters, Eileen C. Untch and her husband John of New Castle, Shirley J. Lison and her husband John of Cape Coral, Florida; two sons, Daniel R. Schooley, and Kenneth T. Schooley and his wife Janet, all of New Castle; five grandchildren, JT and Greg Lison, Troy Schooley and his wife Karla, Trisha Huston and her husband Greg, and Trena Schooley; five great grandchildren, Dylan and Madison Lison, Trey and Reese Schooley, and Grace Huston; three brothers, Robert Schooley and his wife Wanda, New Wilmington, Howard Schooley and his wife Kathy, and James Schooley and his wife Patti all of New Castle; two sisters, Blanche Murdock, Enon Valley, and Mary Schooley, New Castle.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Eugene, Arthur, Ernest, and Francis Schooley, and an infant sister Mildred Schooley.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, 320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15205.
Calling hours 5 to 8 p.m. Monday (8-17-09) at the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. 111 West Falls Street.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 am Tuesday in St. James the Apostle Church, Rt. 422 New Bedford, with Rev. John W. Rebel, pastor of the church, as celebrant.
Full military honors will be rendered at St. Mary's Cemetery by the New Castle Honor Guard with entombment to follow in the Resurrection Mausoleum.
Friends may send condolences by visiting the web site www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.