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Thomas Vroman Obituary
His career in painting and design won him over 150 awards and honors from national and international art organizations. He taught at the University of the Arts as well as Temple University.
During World War II Vroman worked as an artist in the European Theatre Headquarters based in London.
In 1974 he was honored as one of America's outstanding contemporary artists. Only thirteen received this honor including Norman Rockwell.
Thomas was married for 50 years to Thelma E. Vroman who preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughters Jan, Jill, Joy, Jennifer and Jeanette; grandchildren Jamie, Jacqueline, Rachel, Jocelyn, Jenavieve, Sarah, Ryan, Leah: great-grandchildren Jonathan and Avery, and sister Ruth.
Calling hours will be held at the Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, "A Life Celebration Home," 139 Main Street, Wellsboro, PA, on Tuesday, February 10th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Additional calling hours will be available from 10 am to 11 am on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 with Thomas's Life Celebration Service following at 11am. The family requests that any memorial contributions go to the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA.
To share your fondest memories of Thomas, visit www.lifecelebration.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Vroman
Sponsored by Tussey-Mosher Funeral Home, Ltd..
Sarah Vroman Slaby Geiser
May 28, 2025
Bob Gray
November 9, 2015
Beautiful Work. Found one of his pieces (christmas ornament) among my late father's (Joe Gray, also an artist) collection.
John Formella
June 30, 2015
I learn just today while planning a father son fishing trip to Kettle creek of Tom Vroman's passage into the sacred and mysterious genius known as eternal life.
I first met Tom as one of the hired guys working on his design team at his TVA Gaines, PA studio.
Let it be known that Tom's Elk Run Road studio wasn't just producing great communications design, it was also busy shaping the character of the many young people (sons) fortunate enough to have found a seat at a drafting layout tables, early mac computers, vertical camera, type waxers or researching in the extensive design reference library.
Tom's endless curiosity for all things design, both old and new and his loving generosity for sharing this passion with others has shaped the person I am today and the person I hope my son becomes tomorrow.
Peace & Love - until we meet again my friend,
- John
Vivian Parcels Showalter
March 6, 2015
I was very sad to hear of Tom's passing. It's hard to imagine the world without his presence brightening it. He had that way about him.
Years ago our families visited back and forth because Tom and my dad, Roy Parcels - also an artist - were great friends, and Thelma and my mother Vivian became dear friends as well. As the adults talked after dinner, I remember playing with his girls, and I do believe Vivian and Thelma maneuvered some power shopping expeditions.
Like others who have written here, I have such wonderful memories of awaiting the arrival of the yearly Christmas card, always an example of his whit, humanity, and remarkable creativity. Several of them are still framed in my parents' home. Tom and Thelma attended our wedding, and my husband Scott and I are so honored to have the painting he gave us as a gift. He knew we were moving to St. Louis, and he whimsically expressed that by painting a river boat in the middle with "civilized" symbols on one side, and on the other, teepees, deer, and the like - with East and West reversed! He did a special piece for our parents' 50th wedding anniversary as well. My most recent memory of him is from five years ago when he attended our Dad's 90th birthday party, completely making Dad's day. It was not an easy journey, and we were all deeply touched that he and his daughter made that difficult trek, even with a beautiful special painting to mark Dad's milestone. How grateful our family is to have known his amazing talent and equally amazing character.
Whenever I think of Tom, I see him smiling - warm, true, sincere - emanating that special spirit that filled a room. As all the family, especially his daughters, work their way through grieving, I hope you will feel how highly he was loved and esteemed by so many others, and that it will lift and help to mend your spirits.
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Joy Vroman
February 22, 2015
Dear Dad,
Day before yesterday marked two weeks since you left us to go to be with the Lord. I miss you. There are no words to truly express how grateful I am to have had you as my Father. The memories are endless.
I remember when we were young, you knocking on our bedroom doors early in the morning: in you would come wearing a goofy hat, throwing pillows at us and singing one of your goofy songs like I was born under a wondering star, or wearing a goofy hat and singing and doing your squatty twist and dance. Oh, I miss you Dad.
I remember Christmases past when as children we were told to get to sleep quickly because Santa would be at our house soon and if we were not asleep, Santa would not leave giftsthen on the roof of the housewe would hear foot steps and bells ringingit was you Dadand we still have the bells.
I remember when you told me to be honest and have integrity, not to ever over state what I am. I saw how you were able to bump elbows with the successful and elite in life, but also saw your dearest friends were those of little means. I strive to accept all people, no matter their success in life because of the example you set for me.
I met incredible people and experienced incredible things in my life because of you (and Mom). And I least deserved it, as I was the black sheep, and gave both of you more grief than my sisters. I hope somehow I have been able to make that up to you and Mom. God knows I have tried and apologized to both of you before you left us.
Though you suffered for the last 2 and years, you always tried to keep a good spirit. Always assured me things would work out ok. You are right Dad, everything will work out ok. I have seen the Lord's hand in it and know he knows how much you love each one of us. Everything will be ok.
I have been struggling with accepting you are gone, and searching for a way to say goodbye. Everywhere I look here in the house, I am reminded of you. I think of how you painted in your study to classical music and your love for Andrea Bucelli And Sarah Brightman's Time to say Goodbye. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0agOTuM2mg
In whatever time I have left here, before I see you again in Heaven, I promise to do all I can to honor your love, honesty, integrity and the values you taught to me Dad.
All my Love Always,
Joy
Betty Vandernick Dean
February 15, 2015
Such a wonderful man and talented artist. My prayers to all the girls and their families
Doyle and Marcia Thomas
February 13, 2015
Tom will be missed greatly. We met him several years ago at the Log Cabin and stayed friends with him through the times. He had many stories to tell and hopefully someone was able to write them down. He served our Country for many years. He was a great man and a kind person. Our condolences to the family.
Brion Antoine
February 13, 2015
Jeanette and family, I am so sorry for your loss; what a wonderful and talented man you had for a father. You've been blessed.
Diane Bradley
February 12, 2015
Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Every year when I was a child, we looked forward to Tom's unique Christmas cards arriving rolled up in a big tube. Over the years my parents, Betty & Bruce Bradley, acquired quite a collection. When they moved my mother mailed them all to me in St. Augustine, FL where my husband Bill Mayer and I had retired. I thought it would be wonderful to frame the "cards" (some as large as 24"x36") and have an exhibition of them at The St. Augustine Art Association in Dec. 2003. I called Tom for his approval. Not only did he approve he flew to St. Augustine for the opening and spent several days with my parents and us. It is a time I will always treasure. Tom imparted so much wisdom and encouragement to me as an artist. His best piece of advice was to "stay humble because we have been granted a gift, and remember we are only the keepers of the gift--NOT the owner of the gift." Tom gave me the painting he did after 9/11. I have it hanging where I can see it everyday. I will never forget him. Sadly, Diane & Bill
Pat Stelljes
February 11, 2015
Wonderful memories. Sorry I couldn't be there. RIP Tom.
Jeanette Vroman-Perham
February 11, 2015
You will always be with me in spirit, Daddy. Your AMAZING paintings remind me daily of your incredible talent. you will be missed my many.
Mary Judd
February 10, 2015
To Tom's family-- deeeeep condolences, and thanks for sharing your Tom with so many of us. Tom's passing is such a loss. And his life such an enormous gift. I'm so sad to not be able to attend his service tomorrow... But ironically, will be presenting a talk to University of Texas students called, "Using Creativity in Service of Others." This could define Tom!
Here's to his huge heart, his hearty laugh, his caring nature, massive talent and capacity for joy. What an inspiration he was. What a role model. And mostly, what a genuinely loving man.
Ahhhhh. He will be missed but live on in our hearts.
Much love to all!
Bill Aiello
February 10, 2015
The 41-42 OHS Football Club will always remember Tom for the generosity he extended to the club and to Olean High School football.
February 10, 2015
To the Vroman family,
Our mother, Agnes Buckley French, enjoyed your father's visits when he would stop by when he was in Olean. She cherished the painting he did for her for her 90th birthday. Most of all, she always enjoyed and looked forward to the mailing tube arriving with your dad's Christmas card.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Our Sincere Sympathy,
Frances French Johnson
Barbara French Lippert
Linda French Cooney
February 10, 2015
Jan, Sorry for your and the Vroman Family loss.
Wayne Stickler
Andrew Hannon
February 9, 2015
Mr Vroman was a lifelong friend of my father, Gene Hannon. They attended Olean High School together and remained good friends until dad passed in 2002. They were original members of the '41-'42 Football club of which i am a member also. Every year Mr. Vroman would contibute a print for the club to give to that years MVP. He was a very special and talented person who will bill greatly missed by all who knew him.
Paul
February 9, 2015
Thank you Tom for being a fellow member of the 41-42 football club. Your Art will always stay with our family and on our walls. I know from your teammates that you always played on the square - n0 matter what the other players did. God will know you were a good game guy.
Bill Pippin
February 9, 2015
Tom was my neighbor,close friend and fellow creator. I'll always remember him for his talent, generosity, and amazing constitution. He'll be missed.
Marie Husted Vance Bieser
February 9, 2015
Tom, you and your talent will be greatly missed. We thought the world of you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his daughters and their families. God Bless you all.
Dean Graves
February 9, 2015
Late yesterday I lost my friend and mentor. Tom Vroman went to his reward at the age of 90. I owe my success to that man. He took me under his wing and graciously taught me how to design and critiqued my painting. In our industry, Tom was a giant among the giants. In his prime, he WAS Madison Avenue. He was the go-to-guy. He was to Collier's Magazine as Norman Rockwell was to Saturday Evening Post. The day I left Thomas Vroman Associates to join Price Waterhouse, Tom called me into his studio (it was a very cool studio. Tom was a very talented painter, who will one day receive the recognition he deserved). We talked for quite a while. He was sorry to see me leave, but he understood. And as we chatted he gave advise on doing business with honor and integrity, to work hard, and never settle for mediocrity. He showed me award after award that he had won from the New York Art Director's Guild - all of them tucked away in some obscure drawer. With that he taught me humility. Tom was a kind and humble man with a hardy laugh. He always signed his name with a lower case "t", but only today did I learn the "why" behind it. It was his way of paying homage to our Lord. See ya later "tom." I will miss you, but I am happy for you. And until we meet again, enjoy your reward my friend.
Dean Graves
February 9, 2015
Late yesterday I lost my friend and mentor. Tom Vroman went to his reward at the age of 90. I owe my success to that man. He took me under his wing and graciously taught me how to design and critiqued my painting. In our industry, Tom was a giant among the giants. In his prime, he WAS Madison Avenue. He was the go-to-guy. He was to Collier's Magazine as Norman Rockwell was to Saturday Evening Post. The day I left Thomas Vroman Associates to join Price Waterhouse, Tom called me into his studio (it was a very cool studio. Tom was a very talented painter, who will one day receive the recognition he deserved). We talked for quite a while. He was sorry to see me leave, but he understood. And as we chatted he gave advise on doing business with honor and integrity, to work hard, and never settle for mediocrity. He showed me award after award that he had won from the New York Art Director's Guild - all of them tucked away in some obscure drawer. With that he taught me humility. Tom was a kind and humble man with a hardy laugh. He always signed his name with a lower case "t", but only today did I learn the "why" behind it. It was his way of paying homage to our Lord. See ya later "tom." I will miss you, but I am happy for you. And until we meet again, enjoy your reward my friend.
Dean Graves
February 9, 2015
Late yesterday I lost my friend and mentor. Tom Vroman went to his reward at the age of 90. I owe my success to that man. He took me under his wing and graciously taught me how to design and critiqued my painting. In our industry, Tom was a giant among the giants. In his prime, he WAS Madison Avenue. He was the go-to-guy. He was to Collier's Magazine as Norman Rockwell was to Saturday Evening Post. The day I left Thomas Vroman Associates to join Price Waterhouse, Tom called me into his studio (it was a very cool studio. Tom was a very talented painter, who will one day receive the recognition he deserved). We talked for quite a while. He was sorry to see me leave, but he understood. And as we chatted he gave advise on doing business with honor and integrity, to work hard, and never settle for mediocrity. He showed me award after award that he had won from the New York Art Director's Guild - all of them tucked away in some obscure drawer. With that he taught me humility. Tom was a kind and humble man with a hardy laugh. He always signed his name with a lower case "t", but only today did I learn the "why" behind it. It was his way of paying homage to our Lord. See ya later "tom." I will miss you, but I am happy for you. And until we meet again, enjoy your reward my friend.
Jacqueline Leathers
February 9, 2015
You will be terribly missed Poppa. I find peace in knowing on 4/11/15, my wedding day- You and Grama will be there right with me.
I love you and miss you so much already. Give my love to Grama
Sue Ramsay
February 9, 2015
A wonderful talented man.
Jackie Bosek
February 9, 2015
Thought the world of Tom. He was an amazing man and a good friend. I will cherish the good memories of times together.
Jim Vroman
February 8, 2015
Will miss you greatly Uncle Tom.
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11
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