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Thomas J. Smerke

Thomas Smerke Obituary

Thomas J. Smerke died suddenly on July 13, 2012 at the age of 72. He is survived by one brother and two sisters: John and his wife Kay, Phyllis Croke and her husband Donald, and Barbara Endres and her husband Richard, as well as eight nieces and nephews and fourteen great nieces and nephews. Tom was very active in the Boy Scouts where he started as a Cub Scout and went on to become the Scoutmaster of Overlook Hills Troop 72. He served in that capacity for over forty years. Under his leadership more than one hundred young men became Eagle Scouts. Tom won many awards during his scouting career, including the Silver Beaver, The Order of Merit, and Scoutmaster of the Year. Tom's interests were varied. He restored a 1946 Jeep, which won three National Championships and a 1941 military Jeep, which has appeared in many parades and shows. He was very active in the community and received the Citizens That Care Award from the Abington Community Taskforce. As a member of the Theater Organ Society of the Delaware Valley Tom was instrumental in restoring the Keswick Theater's Mller pipe organ. Tom retired from Penn State, Abington where he was postmaster for more than twenty years. At the university he directed the Bike Club and the Outing Club and taught bike repair and bike safely. Relatives and friends are invited to viewings at the Craft-Givnish Funeral Home, 1801 Old York Road (Old Welsh and Old York Roads), Abington from 6 to 9:00PM Monday, July 23 and at St. Anne's Episcopal Church, 2119 (Old Welsh and Old York Roads), from 9:00 to 10:30AM Tuesday. The Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, July 24, at St. Anne's.

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Published by Montgomery Newspapers from Jul. 17 to Jul. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Smerke

24 Entries

William Sams

July 11, 2025

I Remember When Tom would Work on a Jeep and No One Knew He Could Hardly See.
He Could see really Clear even through He was Legally Blind

William Sams

July 11, 2024

It's 2024 and Tom I will never forget out times in Scouting and Being such Good Friends. Rest In Peace my Friend

William Sams

July 11, 2023

RIP My Friend. I Miss our Camping Trips

Jaret Gale

January 17, 2023

I still miss you. You were my guide in life. I never had a father, you were the closest I´ve ever had to one.

I´m sorry I wasn´t there. I should have been.

William & Doris Sams

July 11, 2021

Tom I Miss You. You were a Great Friend That I will Never Forget

William Sams

July 13, 2020

Tom I still Miss you and Will never forget what you taught me about being to good Leader and a Good Person. Thank you and Will always keep your memory close

Robert Malone

August 26, 2012

I just learned of Mr Smerke's death, my condolences to his family. He was my scoutmaster in the 1970's. He helped bring the best out of me even when I doubted myself. With his help and guidance I became troop 72's 50'th eagle scout. I have kept his ideals with me and they have helped me through several trying times in my life. I will miss him and I am sure many others will as well. Rest in Peace

Lynne Czyzewicz

July 26, 2012

Though I didn't know Smerke very long it didn't take us long to bond. We both have a curious nature so when we were together it made for an interesting experience. The first time Tom and I (re)met we were at his favorite restaurant. It started out as a normal lunch which quickly turned into a pop quiz. He began asking me questions about my intentions with one of his favorite Maplewood boys. I guess he was just trying to make sure I was a good fit for him. I think I passed the test.
Tom is an amazing person. He accepted me immediately and treated me like one of his closest friends. He will be missed by all but remembered through the crazy experiences we've all shared with him.

Lynne Czyzewicz

July 26, 2012

Though I didn't know Tom very well it didn't take long for us to bond. The first time we (re)met we were at Smerke's favorite restaurant. It was interesting to say the least because we both have curious natures. After a few minutes Tom started quizzing me on my intentions with one of his favorite Maplewood boys. I think I passed the test. I'm very greatful to have met Tom Smerke. He's an amazing person and taught me life lessons in the brief time I knew him. His time with us will always be remembered through our crazy experiences with that great man.

Ben Roscoe

July 24, 2012

Tom Smerke was a great man whose dedication to scouting and the Abington community touched the lives of hundreds (if not thousands) of people. I first met him back in 2004 while pursuing my Eagle Scout rank and he offered me some much needed guidance and advice. Afterward I would often go and visit Tom for lunch or to help out with odd jobs. Among my favorites was helping him tune the organ at the Keswick Theatre. I will never forget the time we spent together and I will carry the lessons that he taught me for the rest of my life.

His commitment to the Boy Scouts of America was reflected in the incredible impact he had on the lives of the people that he mentored and in the way he lived his life in accordance with the scout oath. He kept his duty to God and his country, to his community and other people, and also to himself. Anyone who knew him can attest to his strength of character and his strength of body, mind, and spirit. He will be loved and missed.

John Westkaemper

July 23, 2012

Mr. Smerke was my scoutmaster in the late 1970"s. Aside from my father, I cannot think of another man who had as much influence on my life as he did. He expected so much from us, and offered so much in return. Summer trips with him were outstanding.

William Sams

July 23, 2012

I was an Assistant Scoutmaster under Tom For many years and Tom was the Most Respected man I knew. He gave well over 110 % to Scouting and to the Abington Community. Tom taught me so Much while we worked together and I will never Lose sight of what he gave to me. He had the Greatest way of Teaching and talking to Both Young People and adults.
Rest in Peace My Friend

Chris Hofmann

July 23, 2012

They say that when you lose one sense, your other senses become stronger. This was never more evident in anyone than Tom Smerke. He had lost his sight but was unparallelled in his sense of civic duty, morality, and ethics. He was a man who always put others before himself despite having problems that would shatter any normal person's spirit. His contributions to the community and to all the lives that he has touched is immeasurable. While it is hard not to be burdened with sadness over his death, Tom would not want any of us to feel the slightest bit of pain on his behalf. I truly believe that even in his last moments he was thinking of others rather than himself because that's the kind of guy he was. We should celebrate the life of a truly great man who is now watching over Abington from heaven. You will be missed old friend. You have changed us all for the better and we will never forget the lessons you taught us.

July 23, 2012

A loss that will be felt for years to come. My husband John and my son John were members of Troop 72 while Tom was there. He leaves a legacy that will live on for who knows how long. You will be missed. Say hi to John for me.
Mrs. Kathleen A. Feather

sheila stieritz

July 21, 2012

Tom was Scoutmaster for our son, Eric. He was a terrific role model, a very caring and kind man. He helped to develop hundreds of young men in our community. He will truly be missed.

Valerie Hyams

July 20, 2012

As a 40 yr resident of Overlook Hills I would like to thank Tom for all his efforts as a great Boy Scout and community leader. If only there were more people like you Tom. Always so pleasant to talk to and that whistle of yours will always linger in our hearts and streets. It has been a pleasure to live in same neighbourhood with you. Rest in Peace ...you have earned it.

July 20, 2012

Tom was Scoutmaster to two of my nephews (1980's)and he made such a difference in their lives. We also knew Tom through the scouts and loved him too. I'll always remember the time he was taking his scouts on a trip to the Outer Banks and they all stayed over night at our place in Cape May. It was wonderful to see such a great leader developing wonderful young men.

Ellie & Walt Kerner
[email protected]

Jennifer Buckley

July 19, 2012

Tom was my neighbor on Allen Lane. I will truly miss his positive attitude and joyful whistling.

Bob Owen

July 18, 2012

Tom was my Scoutmaster in the late 60s, and his dedication to the Scouting ideals of character education was outstanding. His service as a Scoutmaster for over 40 years is astounding (as I can personally attest) and he touched not only the lives of 500+ Scouts, but also the thousands of Scouts led by HIS Scouts in succeeding years. We are all the "Sons of Smerke." He was truly a man who left the world a better place, the life purpose voiced by Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. He was a giant, and I will miss him. May he rest in peace.

Deidre Rawson

July 18, 2012

Sending my condolences to Tom's family and many friends. Tom was an inspiration to many and was a mentor to my son and a wonderful friend. Tom truly cared about the scouts in his troop and their families. He is surely an angel now, watching down on all of his family and extended family. He is a man that will be missed and thought of often.

Ted McDonald

July 18, 2012

Tom was a pillar of our community and a voice of it's concience. We are all lessened without him among us, but better for having known him. He taught us all excellence.

Jane Goodfellow Straub

July 17, 2012

Sending my condolences to the family of Thomas Smerke. I'm so very sorry about his passing and the terrible circumstances of his death.
Tom would put the flag up every morning when he could at the community house and we sometimes spoke as I am often there to water the plants and new trees and pick up litter. He was an interesting person, involved with and cared about young people, inspired with community pride, possessing a passion for local volunteer work and loving of his family, those living and past.I'm so sorry he's gone but Tom will be God's number one angel!I'm sure he's working on that accomplishment right now! God bless his soul!

Christina Szymanski

July 17, 2012

Tom was a ray of light when he entered a room. He was always smiling. I will miss his visits to PSU Abington. Rest In Peace Tom.

July 17, 2012

I didn't know Mr. Smerke, but his story brought tears to my eyes. God bless him and his family.

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