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Eugene "Gene" Tomlinson
1942 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
1034 Benner Pike
State College, Pennsylvania
UPCOMING SERVICE
Memorial Service
Nov. 24, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home
Send FlowersEugene Tomlinson Obituary
June 25, 1942 - November 16, 2025
State College, Pennsylvania - Eugene (Gene) Raymond Tomlinson, age 83, passed away at home on November 16, 2025. Born on June 25, 1942, in Philadelphia, Gene was the eldest son of the late Raymond E. Tomlinson and Anne M. (Jerolymack) Tomlinson.
Gene graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys in June, 1960. He served in the United States Army, where he studied language (Russian) in Monterey California, became employed in Berlin Germany as a translator, taught Sunday school, and coached little league baseball. After the Army, he moved to State College and attended Penn State University, graduating in June 1971, with a BS degree in Secondary Education/English. Gene had a long and varied work history; his most rewarding as a high school English teacher for State College High School in the 70's. Gene's passion for teaching and connecting with students was unique and impactful. He commonly received calls, letters and visits from former students reaching out in their adult years to reconnect with their favorite English teacher.
Gene and Darlene met in February, 1975, when they worked together in the evening GED program at State College High School. They married in February, 1978. They enjoyed 22 years together during which they raised their two daughters, Kathleen Rishel and her husband Chad, Annemarie Tomlinson and her fiancé Jeremy, three beloved grandchildren, Anisha, Mason, and Serenity, and his great-grandson, Ashor. He is also survived by his sister Anita and her husband Joe, his brother Bob and brother-in-law Jim and his wife Judith.
Gene will forever be remembered by his thoughtfulness and consideration for others, acts of kindness, jovial and humorous charm, love for poetry, writing letters, reading and taking walks. A celebration of Gene's life will be held Monday, November 24, 2025, at Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801. Friends and family are encouraged to join the family from 10:00 am – 12:00PM in any attire that is comfortable, while we sit, share memories, and watch a 45-minute documentary, starring Gene himself!
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harmony At State College 121 Havershire Blvd State College PA 16803.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Eugene Tomlinson
Funeral services provided by:
Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home - State College1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Tomlinson
Sponsored by Centre Daily Times.
11 Entries
Bradley A Fisher Sr
Earlier today
This man is the reason I got a high-school diploma in 95. I was 41. Thank you Mr. Tomlison. God speed to heaven.
Hubert White
Earlier today
I enjoyed Gene as a fellow teacher and fiend for many years at State High. He was a thoughtful and caring individual who always had something important to add to the discussion. My deepest condolences to his family.
Peggy Myers
Yesterday
Kathleen and Annemarie,
Your mother and father were two of the most kind and gracious folks we've ever known. We met them in the early 1980's when we attended a group of young couples, all hoping to start their families. So we remember the great joy you two brought your parents when you arrived! And just to share, every couple in that group was blessed with one or more babies, so that joy was multiplied!
Although we are so sorry that you've lost both of your beloved parents, we are so grateful that you were blessed with the priceless love, caring, and support they gave you throughout the years.
May the Lord comfort you and give you peace.
Don and Peggy Myers
Eileen Sirianni
Yesterday
Sending prayers b to the family. Mr Tomlinson was a wonderful teacher . He treated yeach student as if they were his only student.
Carol (Cox) Walker
Yesterday
Gene Tomlinson made an enduring impact upon my personal and professional growth. He freely shared his intellect, wisdom, and compassion with those whose lives he touched. I remain forever grateful for his influence in my life. Rest you gentle; sleep you sound.
Dale Dixon
Yesterday
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Class of 1975.
Mary Ellen Wright
Yesterday
My condolences to Gene's family. Gene was definitely among my absolute favorite teachers at State College Area High School. He was so encouraging about my writing. It's been more than 50 years, and I've kept a couple of the papers I wrote for him, just to save his kind comments. I have made a living writing, by the way (I'm a newspaper journalist). When I was in graduate school at Penn State in the early 1980s, I would see Gene around town, and he remained a very encouraging person to me. Thank you, Gene.
diane exarchos
Yesterday
Unforgettable......a very nice man
Sarah Derber
Yesterday
I will remember Gene not only as a teacher but also as a friend who always had time for a chat whenever we chanced to meet.
Laya
November 19, 2025
Rest in peace Gene. You were always kind to me and it was nice to talk to you before your morning walks. I still have your little notes you´ve written for me.
Ross J Perchonok
November 19, 2025
What a kind man!!! It was such a pleasure to share the world with him.
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