Thomas L. Springer of Hermitage passed away unexpectedly at 2:48 p.m. Saturday (2-9- 13) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after an extended illness. He was 81. Mr. Springer was born July 29, 1931, in Sharon, a son of Eugene and Mary Elizabeth Williams Springer. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1949 graduate of Farrell High School, where he was a standout wrestler. Tom won the state championship during his senior year at Farrell in the 120-pound weight class, with the distinction of being the school's last state champion in wrestling. He was very proud of his country and served with the Navy during the Korean War. Tom retired in 1991 as a supervisor from the former Wheatland Tube Co., where he was employed for 29 years. He was affiliated with Sharon Baptist Church, Hermitage. Tom was a member and past commander of the Wheatland American Legion and a member of the West Middlesex Veterans of Foreign Wars. An outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family and friends. His wife of nearly 50 years, the former Patricia K. Kelly, whom he married July 7, 1956, passed away July 2, 2006. "Pa," as he was affectionately known by his family, is survived by three daughters, Debra R. Griffith, South Pymatuning Township; Diana L. Springer, Hermitage; and Jennifer J. Rupert and her husband Floyd, Pulaski; two sons, Thomas F. Springer and his wife Tammy, Hermitage; and Curt M. Springer and his wife Dejah, South Pymatuning Township; 12 grandchildren, Jamie Palazzo, Erin Ansell and Nicole Griffith; Karly and Ricky Santell; Tommy and Matthew Springer; Hunter and Paden James Rupert; and Mackenzie, Lyndzie and Ethan Patrick Springer; seven great-grandchildren, Daisy, David and Dalton Riggs; Marcus and Jillian Priester; and Nevada Scarmack and Andrew Ansell; and his loving companion, Shirley States, Hermitage. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and a stepfather, Joseph Burns. Tom was a wonderful father who will be fondly remembered for his kindness and generosity. He brought laughter to many with his witty demeanor and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (2-12-13) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY INC., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Service: Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (2-13-13) in the funeral home, with the Rev. Thomas E. Morgan, pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, Hermitage, officiating. Interment: Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hermtiage, with military honors rendered by the West Middlesex V.F.W., Wheatland American Legion and Farrell V.F.W. Honor Guard.