Thomas M. Erich, age 92 of 167 Hemlock Road, St. Marys, PA passed away peacefully, following a lengthy illness, on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Penn Highlands Elk, with his family at his side.

He was born September 1, 1933, in St. Marys, PA son of the late Aloysius and Clara Fox Erich. He was born and raised on the Erich Dairy Farm on North St. Marys Road, the youngest of nine children.

During his teen years he worked as a sales associate at Jack Gross Men’s Store which allowed him to be–as claimed decades later– the sharpest looking guy in town. Tom attended St. Mary’s Parochial and Central Catholic High School, graduating in the Class of 1952, which he served as president. Shortly after, he began working at Stackpole Carbon Company.

In 1953 he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served as an aviation electrician on the world’s first aircraft supercarrier, the USS Forrestal. He took great pride in his service in the Navy and was often heard sharing stories from his deployments especially his tours in the Mediterranean. Following four years of military service, he returned to Stackpole Carbon where he built a three decade career in various laboratory roles. At the same time, he ran Tom’s Appliance Service, earning a reputation throughout the region for his skill, honesty, and generosity in helping families keep their homes running.

He continued taking appliance service calls into his mid-80’s and continued to lend his talents wherever they were needed On October 1, 1960, in Queen of the World Church, Tom married the love of his life, Eileen M. Olson. They spent the entirety of their 65 years of marriage together on Hemlock Road where they raised seven children and built a home filled with laughter, faith, love and devotion. Their relationship was marked by a deep respect for one another, steady companionship, and a joy in finding humor even in everyday life.

Tom is survived by five daughters: Cheryl (Tom) Straub and Pamela (Tom) Jesberger of St. Marys, PA, Mary Winek of Gibsonia, PA; Cynthia Erich of Baltimore, MD and Tricia (Sean) Ryan of Manhattan Beach, CA; and two sons David (Diane) Erich of Springboro, OH, and Michael (Jessica) Erich of St. Marys. He is also survived by his treasured grandchildren: Christopher (Nicole), Brian (Abbey) and Laura Straub; David (Anne) and Adam (Kate) Jesberger; Kaitlyn and Jenna Erich; Charles III, Zachery and Joshua Winek; Lucas and Abby Erich: Luke and Eric Pappas; Casey, Blake and Melia Ryan and great-grandchildren: Clara, Adelaide and Esme Straub.His sister, Betty Taylor and sister-in-law, Doris Schaefer of St. Marys also survive as well as many beloved nieces and nephews who affectionately called him ‘Uncle Tommy’ even though some were older than him.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his beloved and fun-loving son-in-law, Charles L. “Duffy” Winek Jr.; five sisters: Geraldine Bucheit, Marie Squires, Virginia Lecker, Doris Fritz, and Georgia Long; and brothers William Erich and Regis Erich; a brother and sister in infancy and many cherished extended family members.

Tom was an active member of Queen of the World Church, the Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 103, PFL, CMF and the Sportsmen’s Club. He had a lifelong love of the outdoors, whether hunting, working in his garden, enjoying a cold beer after mowing the lawn, or simply soaking in the quiet of the woods at his camp near Clermont.

He also loved the beach and the ocean, finding joy in the waves and the sand just as much as the stillness of the forest. Tom greatly enjoyed neighborhood activities and parties, music, playing cards and baking. Every Sunday began with the Sunday morning polka party on the radio and ended in the evening with yet another version of his famous homemade pizza, shared with family and whoever walked through the door for pizza and good company.

After retirement Tom could often be found in the solace of his woodshop honing his woodworking skills. Above all, Tom was happiest when surrounded by family. Lovingly called Pop-Pop, Grampy, Gramps, and Grandpa. He adored his grandchildren and was famous for baking cookies for them, teaching them skills like fishing and gardening, and getting them all wound up just before sending them back to their parents.

He and Eileen traveled all over the world to visit their children and grandchildren, always ready with a toolbox, a story, and a smile, and he especially loved rolling up his sleeves to help fix up their homes. His kindness, humor, generosity and love of family created memories that will be cherished for generations.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Queen of the World Church , 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Monday, December 22 at 10:30AM with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, celebrating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857, or to a charity of one’s choice.Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.