Name: Visitation for Thomas Jacob Leonard Vaxmonsky
Start: 2020-11-20T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2020-11-21T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Howell-Lussi Funeral Home

Thomas Jacob Leonard Vaxmonsky, 83, of West Pittston, passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.

He was born to Lillian and Jacob Vaxmonsky on Feb. 12 in Jenkins Twp. Tom attended Bloomsburg State Teachers College and received a degree in education while playing football for the Huskies.

Tom was preceded in death by his brother, William "Waxie" Vaxmonsky, Port Griffith; and his sister, Betty Morosky, St. Augustine, Fla.

Tom is survived by his wife, Lorraine; son, Jake and wife, Nancy, Port Griffith; son, Tom and wife, Jen, Marriottsville, Md.; son, Mike, Exeter; son, Chris and wife, Melissa, Bishopville, Md.; son, Dave, Berlin, Md.; daughter, Lori and husband, Christopher Barnhard, Ocean View, Del. Tom has 10 grandchildren and many granddogs.

Tom, or "Mr. Vax," or "Coach," as he was more commonly known in the halls of Wyoming Area, was devoted to his career in education and took pride in mentoring others through decades of teaching, serving as athletic director and coaching football while with the Wyoming Area School District. He taught a countless number of WA graduates how to drive, to the great relief of many parents. Prior to his years at Wyoming Area, he enjoyed teaching and coaching football at Abington Heights, Clarks Summit. Tom was proud to have led both football teams to conference championships during his tenure. His passion for coaching and teaching would be visible even in retirement as he actively, and vocally, participated in his grandchildren's extracurricular sports activities. Grampsie continued to coach from the stands.

Tom will always be remembered for his innovation, strength and compassion for others. He was politically active and enjoyed conversations that sparked thought. Tom enjoyed hunting and the yearly trips with his sons and family to Potter County. He taught his children to crab and clam at Assateague Island, to navigate Fort Wilderness and ride Space Mountain, and most importantly, to be available for each other through life's trials and triumphs. Tom taught his grandchildren how to make a better pizza, drive a golf cart, and because of him, were able to experience the love and devotion that only their Grampsie could give. Tom, Dad, Grampsie will be deeply missed by all who love him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in St. Barbara's Parish, Memorial Street, Exeter. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. A walk-through visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Howell-Lussi Funeral Home, 509 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston. Another walk-through visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday in the church.

Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Exeter.

Everyone is reminded that masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. Delays getting in to the funeral home may occur due to state guidelines. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Tom's name to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it."

-- Mother Teresa

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citizens Voice on Nov. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Vaxmonsky

Sponsored by Howell-Lussi Funeral Home.

19 Entries

Chester Newhart Jr.

January 28, 2021

Coach Vaxmonsky was a wonderful coach, teacher, and person who meant a great deal to me growing up in high school. He was also a very close friend of my father. It was very painful to hear of his passing. His sincere care for his students and players was obvious to all. I could never call him by any other name other than "Coach" every time I saw him even close to his passing. I could tell that still meant a lot to him and that he still enjoyed that reference by his quick smile. He helped teach values, dedication, loyalty, and hard work to his students and players and will always be respected and fondly remembered.

Terri and Jim Zezza

December 1, 2020

We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Vaxmonsky passing. He was a very kind man with a heart of gold. The Vaxmonsky family are in our prayers.

Joe Curry

November 29, 2020

I was very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. As an official, I knew Tom to be two things...a fierce competitor, but most of all a gentleman. He had a great heart. Condolences to his family.

Joe Curry

Joseph Agolino, Jr.

November 21, 2020

Mr. Vaxmonsky was a man that I always looked up to, from the time that he was my first male teacher when I was in 5th grade at Wyoming Area Middle School North in the 1980-1981 school year, right up until the last time I spoke with him, while I was on a walk in West Pittston earlier this year. Not only was he a great teacher and role model for me, but was also an avid Phillies fan, and I vivdly remember being in his class when the Phillies won the World Series in 1980 and discussing each playoff game with him. I was also very close friends with his daughter and my classmate, Lori. I will keep Lori and his entire family in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

Ralph Zezza

November 20, 2020

Condolences to the Vaxmonsky family. Coach Vax was a great person, as well as a great coach. Coach and I had a tumultuous relationship when I was a senior. Later on when he was AD and I was police chief in WP, we talked and laughed about the past. I always knew he was trying to get the best out of me, but I was a stubborn, stupid kid. I am glad we reconciled and became friends. Rest in peace coach, teach them how to run
that blue wham left.

Ralph Zezza

November 20, 2020

Driver ed teacher .. he was THE BEST! RIP coach..
Kathy Rossick
Wyoming Area 1973
Bradenton, Florida

Debbie Lemardy

November 20, 2020

I am beyond words how much Tom ment to me. He was a great friend, listener, and gave me a chance to rent off him, single with two children. He was always so good to me and my children. I have lived next to him for 15 years and I am heartbroken. Thank you for pushing me to be what you always thought I could be. Prayers for the family , he is already sadly missed.

Kitty, Tom, Tim and Carly Lauth

November 20, 2020

Our condolences to the Vaxmonsky family. We enjoyed visiting with Mr. Vax at Maryland family get-togethers. He always had a smile and a kind word for us which is a nice way to remember someone. We saw him in action as a devoted and loving grandfather and in that role he excelled. May the memories you hold bring you comfort. Our thoughts a d prayers are with you.

Tom Vaxmonsky

November 19, 2020

Even though I knew this day would one day come, it is so much harder than I expected. Despite the unusual and tragic times of this past year and the pandemic itself, I was able to share some of the most special times with my Dad and family. Dad made the effort often to come down to Maryland to experience my son, Will's senior year of wrestling. He wouldn't have missed this for the world. He experienced a health scare while here one weekend and had to be hospitalized and treated. He ended up staying with us for that week, so that he was able to be here for the following weekend of wrestling events. He loved his grandchildren and was always there to support them in any way that he could. I am so thankful that I have these events recorded where I can experience them over and over again. To be able to hear my Dad's voice, to know how much he loved his family and supported them, will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you Dad, for your love and commitment to our family.

Ronald Musto

November 19, 2020

Chris and Family,
I will never forget the influence your father had on me as a young coach and developing educator. I always respected his opinion and guidance. He was a leader. He spoke the truth whether you wanted to hear it or not when others were afraid to tell you. A man of integrity. I strived to run a program that made him proud. A true Warrior in every aspect of life. I will always remember the message in our Wedding Card, "A marriage is not 50% from each person . It is 100% from each!" A role model!
Thoughts and prayers!
Ron, Renee, Evan and Kyle Musto

Allan Siani

November 19, 2020

My condolences to the Vaxmonsky family. Coach Vax will always be remembered for being a great coach, educator, and person. RIP Coach!

American Heart Association

November 19, 2020

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Narda Sperrazza

November 19, 2020

A life long friend to the Sperrazza family. Always had a smile. I often spoke with him at the WA Credit Union and truly enjoyed these moments. A man who will be fondly remembered by me as a true gentleman. Rest in peace, Mr. Vax.

Steve Harmanos

November 19, 2020

Deepest sympathies to the Vaxmonsky family. Tom was a colleague, mentor and friend. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Find peace.

Andy Hergan

November 19, 2020

My deepest condolences extend to the entire Vaxmonsky family. I have very fond memories of Coach Vax as a wonderful person, teacher, and coach. We were so fortunate to know him and I totally appreciated his dedication and sincerity. RIP Coach. You will never be forgotten.
Andy Hergan Wyoming Area 1970-73.

Mickey Calabrese

November 19, 2020

Great coach and an even greater person. Available with his time and advice on matters beyond the playing field. He touched many lives as an educator, coach, citizen and friend.

DAVE AMICO

November 19, 2020

coach was always one of my most favorite and respected people in my life.he truly had time to meet with any player or student when asked.i still have an echo of "IR WAM RIGHT".
my condolences to his family.

The Fink Family

November 18, 2020

Sending our deepest condolences in this difficult time. Tom will be greatly missed.

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