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Thomas Mack Obituary
Thomas Mack Sr. was a dry sardonic wit, a lover of the judicial system, great food, theater, tennis and jazz standard songs. He enjoyed getting dressed up in a suit with a bow tie to listen and dance to musicians as they performed; and especially loved to sing songs from Cole Porter, the McNamara's Band and the great American Songbook with his favorite pianist, Jimmy McCarthy, accompanying him at Pelican Cove in Sarasota, Fla., and the Summer House in Siesta Key, Fla.
Mr. Mack Sr. had a colorful life indeed. A complete account of his life, or a well-done critical essay on his work, would take up more space than a goodbye has available, so instead a pleasurable list of highlights is presented here.
Thomas Mack Sr. made a typically dramatic entrance on May 15, 1924 to his parents, Catherine and Anthony Mikelonis, and was raised from humble and modest beginnings in Wilkes-Barre.
Having a strong work ethic and desire to learn and educate himself, he led a fulfilling and successful life while supporting his entire family.
Mr. Mack attended Coughlin High School. He became one of the youngest second lieutenants to serve in the Army during World War II as a navigator on a B-17 bomber. Afterwards, Thomas graduated from Mansfield State Teachers College and then received a Juris Doctorate from Dickinson Law School.
Thomas Edward Mack Sr. served as the Luzerne County district attorney from 1964 through 1967. District Attorney Mack was a very well-respected lawyer within the courtroom, and was admired by both attorneys who practiced with him as well as against him.
He was often a sought after and willing speaker for many community events and fundraisers. He was a member of the Luzerne County Bar Association, president of Lithuanian Roman Catholic Alliance of America for decades, former president of the Tatra Club, Knights of Columbus and the Sarasota Jazz Club.
He retired to Sarasota, Fla., to live the rest of his life that he referred to as "paradise." At age 85, his most courageous battle with life ended peacefully with his wife, Anne, and his English bulldog, "Maxine," by his side. His children traveled often to be with him, and in the end to honor him as a father and friend. Matt VanderMije, Anne Mack's grandson, also adored Tom and assisted him regularly, especially during the last six months of his life with the kindness and patience of a saint.
He was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth and Genevieve; his brother, Leonard; and daughter, Marlena Mack.
Mr. Mack Sr. is survived by his wife, Anne Cullen Mack; three sons, attorney Mark Mack and his fiancee, Lorie McCarthy; Thomas Mack Jr.; Dean Mack and his fiancee, Kelly Girman; daughter, Dr. Heather Mack and her husband, Dr. John McConnell; six grandchildren. Bianca and Simone Kornfeld, Olivia Anderson, Bella and Madaline Mack and Elia Volpe; brother, Charles Mack, New Orleans, La.; and his former wife, Patricia Pipa.
His extended family in Sarasota, the Ericksons, Sterlings, Jacksons and Stonges, will miss his Thanksgiving toasts, magic tricks and fun songs.
A celebration of attorney Thomas Mack's life will be held in Sarasota in private.
A spiritual tribute will be at The Dream Ranch, Clayton, Idaho, in the spring.
Burial arrangements will be in The National Cemetery, Sarasota, Fla.
Condolences may be mailed to Mack Law Offices, 281 Pierce St., Kingston, PA 18704, or e-mailed to www.legacy.com, search: attorney Thomas Edward Mack Sr.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Mack
February 6, 2010
To: Dino, Heather, and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Mitchell family
Bill Sr., Bill, Tom, Ken, and Lee Ann
Shaun Korus
February 3, 2010
To Mark and family,
While I did not have the pleasure of personally knowing Attorney Thomas Mack Sr. , I feel his presence and memory is well represented through knowing his son Mark. Through the many testimonials and anecdotal stories from the Mack family and friends, Thomas Sr., was a special person, a father, mentor, colleague and friend . Truly a man for all seasons, a man who served his country honorably and with distinction, an accomplished and well respected Attorney and exemplary District Attorney and a man who enjoyed both the finer and simpler things in life with equal élan. Thomas Sr. is said to have lived life well and accomplished a well lived life. Thomas Sr. was a man I would have felt privileged to know. My condolences and heartfelt sympathy extend to the entire Mack family.
Sandy Pilkington
January 31, 2010
To Anne and family
I'm sorry for your loss
Tom was a fighter and optimist
I'm grateful our paths crossed
My prayers are with you all
Sandy Pilkington
Andrew Yurcho
January 27, 2010
To the entire Mack family:
I knew Tom from my days in West Wyoming. He inspired me to attend law school. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Betty Ann Lucas
January 26, 2010
Dean
I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. I never had a chance to meet him. My prayers go out to you and your family. Give my love to Kelly. Miss you both!!
Atty Mike Cefalo
January 25, 2010
To Mark and the Mack family. Tom Mack came long before me and the younger lawyers, but made it a lot easier to practice law in Luzerne County. His Love and Passion for the law will long be remembered. He made the world a better place for all of us.
January 25, 2010
Deepest Sympathy to Tom's family
Have a safe trip to heaven Tom
Such fond memories of the fun we had together
Your Buddy
Charlie
Laura and Robert Serrano
January 25, 2010
To Mark and family,
We did not know your father personally, but have heard about so many wonderful achievments he accomplished during his lifetime. You must all be proud. Our condolences to the entire Mack family.
Allen Mullins
January 25, 2010
My sympathy goes out to the Mack family, I enjoyed Tom Mack he was a good friend to me and helped me in numerous ways while I was settling into life at Bear Creek. I am sad that he has passed on and will sincerely miss him.
Allen Mullins
Steve Hutter
January 25, 2010
Tom Mack Sr. was a dynamo of energy - I was always amazed at his level of passion and engagement with everyone and every thing.....Even with his vast array of dealings, he always seem to know what crazy adventure Dean and I were about to embark on. :)
Best wishes to the entire Mack family at this time.
Bob Smith
January 25, 2010
To the Family of Tom Mack
Ellen and I extend our sympathy. We loved Tom; he was a wonderful neighbor and great raconter. As a young person just moving to Bear Creek, he was one of the most welcoming people full of joy and good spirit. I still have the scars on my cheek where he would kiss me. Our sincere condolences to you all. We miss him.
Bob and Ellen Smith, Bear Creek
Patsy & Lori
January 24, 2010
Mark and Lorie,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Very Sorry to hear of your loss, If you need anything please let us know. God Bless!
Chelsea van der Mije
January 24, 2010
Tom was an incredibly fun and gifted man. I am so happy that my grandmother was lucky enough to find someone so charismatic to go out dancing with. And I have loved visiting with his open-hearted and brilliant family. It was such a blessing to have Tom around.
January 24, 2010
My heart & prayers go out for the Mack family. I am delighted my son Matthew van der Mije was able to know such a fine gentleman. Alberto van der Mije, Sr. London, England -
Alberto van der Mije,Sr
January 24, 2010
My heart & prayers go out for the Mack family. I am delighted my son Matthew van der Mije was able to know such a fine gentleman. Alberto van der Mije, Sr. London, England -
Alberto van der Mije
January 24, 2010
My heart & prayers go out for the Mack family. I am delighted my son Matthew van der Mije was able to know such a fine gentleman. Alberto van der Mije, Sr. London, England -
The McCarthy Family
January 24, 2010
Our sincere condolences to Mark, and the entire Mack family. Your father was a self-made man, a grand provider to his entire family. A man who supported his country, and dedicated his life to public service successfully as a trail lawyer, and as the District Attorney in Luzerne County, PA.
Enjoy the memories!
chris pelchar
January 24, 2010
My condolences to the entire Mack family and may you find peace in knowing Mr. Mack Sr is entertaining for a grander crowd now. Although he may not be here physically, he lives on forever in all of hearts and memories. God Bless!
January 24, 2010
To Mark, and all the Mack Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The memories of the "Silver Tongued Orator" and Vocalist,will remain with us forever.
John & Sally Kashatus
Tom Atkachunas
January 24, 2010
Sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful man. Tommy, may you rest in peace.
Jennifer Erickson
January 23, 2010
To my beautiful Mom and my new siblings, Mark, Dean, Tom, and Sweet Heather,
Thanks for sharing Tom with us. I/We love him dearly and am grateful to have such a great Dad in my life.
And to you Mack-Daddy, I love you and thank you for being so kind to me and to my family. Thanks for loving my Mom. Safe journey to you and visit if you can. I'll be watching for you.
Love Jenny
Anne Mack
January 23, 2010
Sweetheart,
You are a scholar and a gentleman. It has been an honor to walk with you as your wife and friend. Keep on dancing!
I love you,
Anne
January 23, 2010
To the Family: I worked at a local WilkesBarre restaurant, where Attorney
Mack enjoyed eating. I was very happy when he came in his later years
not too long ago, he always remembered me and called me by name.
He was very nice and always talked to me. He mentioned his trips to FL
for the winter and then he didn't come in anymore so I thought he was staying in Florida. I told him in his younger years my sister-in-law worked at his office group and he remembered her and
sometimes called me Barb as a joke. It was very nice meeting him. Donna
Ron casterline
January 23, 2010
So sorry Dean and Kelly and all the family! He was a great man and I am sure will be sadly missed. My memories of you guys and bear creek will always be fond ones,Sincerely Ron Casterline 3325 airport rd.n.Naples Fl.34105
Malcolm Brunges
January 23, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dr. Paul Griesmer
January 23, 2010
To you, Mark, and all your family I send my most sincere condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul D. Griesmer, M.D.
ANDY MAMARY
January 23, 2010
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY, MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE. I SOMETIMES WOULD SEE TOM AROUND TOWN, WE WOULD REMINECE, ABOUT BACK HOME HE WAS A GREAT GUY.
deborah bienick/verdekal
January 23, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss...
Debbie
GENE RUMINSKI
January 23, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
JOSEPH JAIKES
January 23, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Michael Grochowski
January 23, 2010
Anne, Mark, Tom, Heather & Dean and Kelly,
I would like to express my condolences for your loss. I remember the first time I met Mr. mack at Deans house in S W-B. Tom could control a room without even trying. It was just His nature to take charge. No wonder Tom is so well respected. I learned from the loss of my Dad that your grief will pass with the realization of your Fathers full and fruitful life. As time goes on, you will only be left with pride and an understanding of how blessed you were to have such a great man as your father.
Sincerely,
Michael Grochowski
Philip G. Pizano
January 23, 2010
My Deepest Sympathy to the Mack Family.
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