Thomas Spackman

Thomas Spackman of West Chester Thomas Spackman, 74, of West Chester, died at home on September 20, 2011. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of Herbert B. and Kathryn G. Spackman. He graduated from Wilmington Friends School and the University of Delaware College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where he developed a keen appreciation of the land and an interest in preserving open space. Thomas was intensely interested in local history and enjoyed showing visitors Brandywine Battlefield sites on Thornbury Farm, the family farm where he grew up and which he worked hard to preserve. He served as a supervisor in Thornbury Township and was active in township government for many years, acting as magistrate and as police commissioner. Thomas was a realtor and founder of Spackman Associates, Ltd. He was an active member of the Church of the Loving Shepherd and numerous civic and charitable organizations, serving for many years as a Republican Committeeman and holding membership in The West Chester Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and West Chester Lodge #322 F. & A.M., County, State and National Associations of Realtors, Chester County Historical Society and Chester County Art Alliance. He served on the Board of the Chester County S.P.C.A., and was a founding member of Planned Parenthood - West Chester. Thomas joined the Army in 1963 and later served in the Reserves. He is survived by his two children, Randell Herbert Spackman (Kimberly) of West Chester and Dr. Erica Spackman of Augusta, Ga.; and four granddaughters, Morgan, Rebecca, Darby and Madison Spackman and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by a sister, Kathryn S. Andersen of Phoenixville and was predeceased by another sister, Amanda S. Gehret of Wilmington, Del. Also surviving are former spouses, Susan B. Spackman of West Grove and Sandra Betner of Philadelphia. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at Church of the Loving Shepherd, 1066 S. New St., West Chester. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Interment at Birmingham-Lafayette Cemetery, West Chester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Loving Shepherd, 1066 South New Street, West Chester, PA 19382 and/or The Concept School, P.O. Box 54, Westtown, PA 19395. Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com