Thomas Edward Pearce, Sr.

Thomas Edward Pearce Sr., 77, passed away Sunday morning, August 28, 2016 at the Hospice of Sacred Heart in Dunmore. He is survived by the love of his life, Roberta Jenette Pearce, to whom he was married for 56 years. They were married on April 23, 1960 at Embury Methodist Church in Scranton, PA, and shared a beautiful life together. Born July 9, 1939 in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late John Pearce and Eleanor Wright and also raised and preceded in death by his loving stepfather the late Joseph Tancredo. Thomas was member of the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church. Thomas attended Benjamin Franklin High School in Carbondale, PA and served for two years in the Army Reserves. He realized that he was mechanically inclined at a very young age and had a strong passion for working on and operating vehicles his entire life. In his early career Tom owned and operated the Hyde Park Sunoco Station, in Scranton, PA. He was later employed as both a mechanic and school bus driver by Degilio's Service Station for whom he drove bus #16 for 15 years. He was also part of the maintenance team at Abington Heights School District, serving as a mechanic and driving the school bus to various sporting events on the weekends. Tom loved the work he did and the children he drove brought him endless happiness over the years.Tom's passion for automobiles was apparent in every aspect of his life. During his time off he could be found working in his own garage and took great pride in caring for and enhancing his vehicles. In his youth, Tom could be found at Herb Harvey Race Track racing his beloved #33 Jr., and #60 N. Not only did he race his own vehicles, he enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was huge fan of Tony Stewart. Additionally, Tom loved camping with his family and friends at Shore Forest campground, was a talented dancer who competed in many competitions, and was very proud of his large collection of Snoopy memorabilia. Thomas was very talented in all that he did but he will be most lovingly remembered for his big heart. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was extremely loving, joyful, and generous, and always went out of his way to help anyone in need. He will be missed dearly. He is also survived by a son, Thomas E. Pearce Jr., Olyphant; a daughter Michelle Schirra and her husband Bill, Clarks Summit; six grandchildren: Aimee Hapstak and her husband Jason, Taylor and Kali Schirra, Caitlan Lowe, and Joshua Pearce; several great-grandchildren: Chloe, Alexander, Trevor , and Adriyanna. Tom was also preceded in death by a brother John Pearce, a sister Betty Jean Roberts, and nephew Charles Roberts. The family would like to thank the staff at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Tom and his family during his illness. A memorial service will be held Friday at 6p.m. from the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. Friends may call Friday from 4-6p.m. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.For directions or to sign the online guest book, visit the funeral home website.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Tony Stewart Foundation, 438 Southpoint Circle, Brownsburg, IN, 46112-2203 or at tonystewartfoundation.org.