Thomas G. Spitalik

Thomas G. Spitalik, 73, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away unexpectedly after a lengthy illness at home surrounded by his loving daughter, Holly, on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017.

Born Feb. 22, 1944, in Wilkes Barre, he was the son of the late Joseph and Nellie Angela Kapson Spitalik. Thomas was a graduate of St. Vincent's High School, Plymouth, Class of 1961.

He was a devoted member of St. Mary's Church, Wilkes-Barre, and during his private time, he spent many hours praying the rosary.

After his graduation, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War. During his time in the Air Force, while he was stationed at the Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, he received the Airman of the Month Award. He was also in the Fire Protection Division, where he performed duties such as driving and operating on crash and structural fire machines. He devoted much of his off-duty time to the children with disabilities program, and assisted them in physical therapy at the swimming pool. He represented the C.E.V. at the home of civic leaders at Santa Barbara, Calif.  

Thomas was honorably discharged from the Air Force on Aug. 15, 1967.

After his discharge from the Air Force, he was employed by Weis Markets as an assistant manager and produce manager. Prior to his retirement in 2009, he was employed by HPG International as a chemical compounder.

He was a member of St. Vincent Alumni Association and AMVETS Post 59, Hanover Twp. In his earlier years, he was an altar boy at St. Stephen's Church, Plymouth, and an usher at St. Aloysius Church, Wilkes Barre. He enjoyed watching politics and enjoyed a good debate.

Thomas enjoyed dancing the polka with his late wife, Theresa. He also loved to travel, especially to the beach. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his loving daughter, Holly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa, in 1998; son, Jason, in 2005; and brothers, Joseph Spitalik and John Spitalik.

Surviving are his loving daughter, Holly Jean Spitalik, Wilkes-Barre; uncle, Stanley Kapson, Harveys Lake; niece, Angela Spitalik; and nephew, John Spitalik.

The funeral will be held at 8:45 a.m. Friday from S.J. Grontkowski Funeral Home, 530 W. Main St., Plymouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Wilkes-Barre.

A military service and entombment will be in St. Mary's Mausoleum, Hanover Twp.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday. 

To submit your condolences to Thomas' family, please visit www.sjgrontkowskifuneralhome.com.