Thomas Eugene Dalton, 80, of Kane, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 21, 2024. May his legacy of dedication, love for family, and passion for teaching and coaching live in the hearts of those who knew him.

Thomas, better known as Tom, was born to Bertrand and Frances Gustafson Dalton on March 13, 1944, in Kane. He was the youngest of four children. Tom was a 1962 graduate of Kane Area High School. He was an outstanding Kane High Athlete, and his love for the game (Football, Basketball, and Baseball) was a part of him until the end. Tom had a remarkable baseball legion career with a hit off Sparky Lyle (who later pitched for the Yankees), which gave him a record-setting game-hitting streak. Those were some of his greatest moments and memories to retell. Tom’s love for sports carried on while His passion for athletics stayed with him throughout his career as a teacher and, more importantly, a coach to many of the Kane High Athletes.

Tom graduated from Clarion University with a master’s degree in education and became a brother of Sigma Tau Gamma. After entering the work force, he was a dedicated World Culture and American History teacher, a beloved Golf and Football Coach, and the Kane Area High School Ski Club founder. Throughout his career, he impacted the lives of many students and colleagues both on and off the field and in the classroom. Once retired from teaching, he went on to assist young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.

Tom’s greatest impact was his significant role in the lives of Madigan, Katie, and Rhys. He was present not only as “Grandpa” but also as their biggest fan, supporter, encourager, and male role model.

Outside work and after retirement, Tom enjoyed hobbies such as golf and pickleball, attending various sporting events, walking his dogs, and spending quality time with his family and friends. From time to time, you could find him volunteering at Bradford Regional Medical Center, visiting friends at Futures Rehabilitation Center and the Lutheran Home in Kane, socializing at Texas Hot with “the guys” on Saturday mornings, and enjoying gatherings at the Kane Senior Center. He was a long-time member of both St. Callistus Catholic Church (while living in Kane) and St. Bernards Catholic Church (while residing in Bradford) where he served as commentator, greeter, and a was a former member of Knights of Columbus. Tom was an avid member of Kane Country Club, a life member of Kane

Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge #329. He found joy in staying busy, social and cherished shared moments with loved ones.

Tom fought quite the fight with Alzheimer’s, and ultimately, Liver/Kidney Failure took over that fight for him and won. Despite the issues and struggles with memory, Tom never lost sight of his all-time favorite football plays, his love for the game both on and off the field, the court, and the course. His sense of humor remained through all the ups and downs.

Surviving are daughters, Tricia Dalton of Bradford, PA; Julie (Brad) Butters of Maryville, TN; and Amy (Bryan) Ashcroft of Kane, PA; grandchildren Curtis (Michelle Meacham), Madigan (Justin Kieffer), Katie, and Rhys; two bonus grandsons, Mason and Kaden; sister Mary Ann (Pat) DeMarte of Okemos, MI; and five nephews and two nieces. Tom was predeceased by his Parents, Sisters Martha Jones and Joan Brown, Nephew Steve Jones, and Granddaughter Destiny.

Friends are invited to attend a visitation at the Cummings Funeral Home, August 25 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 26 at11 :00 AM at St. Callistus Catholic Church, with the Rev. William O’Brien as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Callistus Cemetery.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to one of the following: Kane Area All Sports Boosters, Elks Lodge 329’s “Building Fund,” or Kane Community Methodist Church’s “Drive-up Dinners” in memory of Tom.

“False pride is a bad thing, but real pride that stems from hard work and devotion is a fine thing” – Coach Robert C. King KHS

Online condolences can be given at www.cummingsfh.com.