Thomas Theodore Vrba

Thomas Theodore Vrba, 94, of Whitehall, and former resident of Mountainhome, PA, died on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. He was the devoted husband of Marilyn (Hespen) Vrba for 63 years. Born December 10, 1929, in Schuyler, Nebraska, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mamie (Horak) Vrba. Thomas was a 1947 graduate of Schuyler High School. He received his BS degree in Business Administration in 1958 from the University of Nebraska. In 1959 he graduated from the Army Logistics Intern Training Program and in 1972 he received his MBA degree from the University of Scranton. He was a Korean War veteran serving with the 307th Bomb Wing working on B-29s. Following that period, he served with the 306th Bomb Wing working on B-47s. He spent 33 years in the Federal Service. During his Army civilian service, he worked as a specialist in distribution at the Army storage depots in Texas and Ohio. Later, starting in 1964, he worked as part of the Army Materiel Command staff located at Tobyhanna Army Depot. Special long term assignments included studies with the Secretary of the Army at the Pentagon, logistics support for Vietnam operations based in Okinawa and the U.S. Delegate to NATO standardization efforts. In 1986, he retired as Chief, Distribution Operations Division. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling by motorhome to places in Florida, Texas, Arizona and wherever children and grandchildren lived. Many friends were gained along the way and hunting, hiking, fishing, dancing and hot air ballooning were often part of the activities. In the off season, he enjoyed his yard, birds, and efforts to outsmart deer and squirrels.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Jo Vrba of Allentown, Jolene Jespersen (Ed) of Dayton, Ohio, Nancy Madden (Warren) of Allentown; son, Michael of Pueblo, Colorado; sister, Patricia May of Palmdale, California; six grandchildren, Bradley, Tricia, Margaret, Luke, Nathan and Ian; and 9 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; sisters, Agnes, Vlasta, Barbara, Helen, Alice, Norma; and brothers, Joseph, Lambert and Charles.

Private Services are under the direction of Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, 4456 Main St., Whitehall, PA 18052. Online condolences may be offered below.