Thomas J. Schloder, 82, of 1134 E. Eschbach Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully, following a lengthy illness Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at DuBois Nursing Home with his family by his side.

He was born February 13, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Wilfred and Dolores Hoffman Schloder. 

Tom was a lifelong resident of St. Marys and a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1959.  He was an avid member of the Jaycees out of high school for many years.  He started his career at Keystone, but longed to pursue his dream to build furnaces and own his business. 

He dedicated many hours and traveling to gain experience and in the early 80’s Tom proudly founded Abbott Control and Fabricating on Madison St. in St. Marys.  The business grew and he soon moved to the former Mex-America building on Trout Run Rd.  His business continued to flourish and he finally bought land and built Abbott from the ground up where it remains currently located today.  He retired in 2006.

On February 24, 1993, in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Tom married Kimberly Groll, who survives.  Although not long enough, they were blessed to share their love in marriage for 30 years.

In addition to his loving wife, Tom is survived by his daughters: Cyndi Rippy (Mike) of Kersey, Lori Krise of St. Marys, and Amy Ryan (Mike) of Scranton; stepdaughters: Katrina Hanes and Kevin Abrahamson of Brockport and Autumn Guido (Nicholas) of St. Marys; a stepson, Raymond “AJ” Johnston (Joan) of Ridgway; four grandchildren: Sheena Aaron, Shane Krise, Ashley Krise, and Shannon Ryan; three step-grandchildren: Jaedyn Johnston, Cash Guido, and CJ Guido; and twelve great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Abrahamson; a son, John Thomas, at birth; a granddaughter, Jessica Stefano; and his brother, Paul “Mike” Schloder.

Tom was known for many things, but he may be best known for his enjoyment of trains, specifically his HO model trains displaying the four seasons. He loved having the community come out to enjoy a showing of his display during the Christmas holiday. He looked forward to working with his close friends on the trains on Tuesdays throughout the year.  “Tom’s Trains” were enjoyed by all which gave Tom great joy. 

He was always excited to throw a party, like his annual potato pancake supper.  Tom loved jeep rides and ranger adventures in the woods.  He spent a lot of fun times on the water at East Branch Dam, where he also started Maple Lane Enterprises which maintained the road throughout the year and completed excavation projects.  He enjoyed camping at Twin Lakes with his kids.  Campfires had a special place in his heart with family and friends throughout his lifetime.  He especially cherished all the special moments he shared with his grandkids who called him Papa Tom.

Everyone knows Tom was famous for two things: his naps and telling everyone he was “damn near perfect”.  His upbeat, adventurous spirit will truly be missed by many!

A funeral service will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 6:00PM with the Rev. Thomas Curry, officiating. 

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 4:00PM until the time of service.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.

Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com