Thomas F. Skehan

1932 - 2021

Thomas F. Skehan

York - Thomas Francis Skehan, age 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, businessman, and Catholic gentleman, passed away on May 3, 2021. He fought a tough five-year battle with cancer. He entered the next phase of his Eternal Life surround by those he loved, and who loved him.

Born on September 11, 1932 in Brighton, MA, he was the son of John and Catherine (Maloney) Skehan. He was one of six children and was preceded in death by his brother John and sisters Helen, Catherine and Patricia. He is survived by a brother David.

Tom attended Our Lady of the Presentation Elementary School in Brighton and St. Mary's High School in Waltham, MA. He graduated with a degree in Economics from Boston College in 1954.

At an early age Tom displayed an enviable work ethic. Whether it was shoveling snow, emptying coal bins, working as a longshoreman on the Boston docks or surveying for a state road crew, Tom always had a job. No matter how mundane the task, Tom would find a way to do it better, faster, with less effort and more fun than anyone thought possible.

After graduating from BC with an education to go along with his charismatic personality, he set out in search of his dream. He spent two years serving his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving mostly at Ft. Hood. He was fond of saying that no Koreans invaded Texas on HIS watch!

Upon mustering out of the Army, he returned to Boston to marry Ann Therese Reynolds, his sweetheart and best friend. To the great sorrow of Tom and his family, Ann preceded him in death in 1996.

Tom and Ann, along with their growing family, spent the next twenty-nine years on the move as Tom's successful career with the Linde Division of Union Carbide Corporation provided a lot of opportunity for advancement. Border-to-border, coast-to-coast, they traveled the country as Tom's career flourished. Eventually, wanting stability, Tom and Ann purchased the former Dressel Welding Supply, headquartered in York, PA with branches throughout the region. Many family members came to work for Dressel, and many employees became like family members.

Tom and Ann are survived by seven children- Mark Skehan and wife Linda of York, Daniel and wife Jane Scott of Columbia, SC, Julie Brenner and husband Ed of Mt. Wolf, Katie Landis and husband Mark of Dover, Peter Skehan and wife Lisa of Waynesboro, Thomas Skehan and wife Marcy of Harrisburg, and Sarah Brant and husband Mike of Dover. Tom is also survived by 40 grandchildren and (soon to be) nine great-grandchildren.

Tom was a faithful and active member of Immaculate Conception (St. Mary's) Catholic Church in York, and Stella Maris Catholic Church on Sullivan's Island, SC. He had an enduring devotion to the Rosary. He loved writing poetry, penning letters to the editor, discussing politics and faith, and telling his numerous stories. Having never shied away from adventure, he had a LOT of stories to tell! He was dedicated to many causes; none more so than defending the sanctity of life. Tom and Ann welcomed unwed mothers into their home on many occasions to provide financial and emotional support and social stability as they carried their children safely to term and beyond. They provided a true example of Christian charity.

Tom's last years were spent with his second wife, Mary Katherine (Imhoff) Skehan. "Kathie" was Tom's travel companion, his dutiful help throughout his battle with cancer, and an attentive friend. Kathie's children welcomed Tom into their families and became part of his.

In the end, Tom's departure from this life exemplified the principles by which he lived. He was strong and stoic, compassionate, encouraging, and faithful. He was and forever will be, our "ever loving blue-eyed Dad", who made this world a better place for us.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception (St. Mary's) Catholic Church in York, PA at 10 AM on Monday, May 10. There will be visitation at the church on Sunday evening, May 9, from 5-8 PM, and on the morning of the funeral from 9-10 AM.