Thomas W. Bilheimer

Thomas W. Bilheimer obituary, Allentown, PA

Thomas W. Bilheimer

Thomas Bilheimer Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc. on Nov. 12, 2025.

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Thomas W. Bilheimer
Thomas W. Bilheimer, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away on November 6, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Thomas was a social studies teacher at Liberty High School in the Bethlehem Area School District until his retirement. He was also a lecturer at DeSales University and Northampton Community College. He was a member of the Liberty High School Class of 1966 and Moravian College Class of 1970. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Willard H. and Jeanne (Herman) Bilheimer.
Mr. B., as many of his students knew him, leaves a legacy as an educator and mentor who touched the lives of thousands of students. His classroom was a space for lessons about history, life, and the eagerly anticipated Friday Jeopardy reviews.
Thomas's creative spirit manifested in many ways. A gifted musician, he shared his vocal talent as part of numerous choirs over the years. He found great joy in harmony and performance. His experiences traveling to Europe as a member of the Moravian College Choir were among his favorite memories. Beyond music, he was a talented photographer, capturing the beauty of the world around him. He was also a dedicated train enthusiast, dog lover, and avid golfer.
In his latter years, Thomas brightened the days of many with his characteristic daily Facebook posts, a joyful mix of clever puns, political commentary, history lessons, thoughtful observations, and pictures of his family and beloved dog, Charlie.
Survivors: Daughter, Christina L., wife of Gene T. Thrash of Germansville; Son: Willard H. Bilheimer of Allentown; Former wife: Margaret I. Bilheimer of Allentown; Brothers: John Bilheimer and wife Sherry of New Jersey and Robert Bilheimer of Bethlehem; Nieces and nephews; and Grandchildren: Bryce and Luke Thrash.
Services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Thomas's lifelong dedication to music may be made in his memory to his alma mater, Moravian University-Music Department c/o Development Office 1200 Main St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.

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Yesterday

Barb Seitzinger posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Jim Rabenold posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Judy Burkhart posted to the memorial.

21 Entries

Barb Seitzinger

Yesterday

To Tom's family,
My sympathies to the family. Although we were the same age, I attended WAHS. Tom was a FB friend, with whom I shared similar political views & complained about the same issues. His postings were always intelligent and well written (things I notice). Prayers to you at this time. We recently mourned the death of Nelson Matos, same class, too.
My prayers,
Barb Seitzinger

Jim Rabenold

Yesterday

To the Family: Please accept my condolences...recalling our friendship from Nitschman Jr. High & Liberty HS I was lucky enough to reconnect with Tom years later via FaceBook. We shared a love of sports, politics & Bethlehem. His memory lives on through all who were fortunate enough to have known him, RIP Tom!

Judy Burkhart

Yesterday

I will miss you on Facebook Book. Rest in peace my friend. Judy Burkhart

Wayne Gerding

Yesterday

On behalf of Liberty High School Class of 1966 we would like to offer our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to Tom's family and friends. He has been added to our Gone but not Forgotten photo album on our class FB page. May he Rest in Peace.

Pearl Jaekel

Yesterday

My dear Friend you'll be missed so much. We became friends on face book. Your photo's were absolutely wonderful. Your love for your dogs, and caring for others. Another thing was your love for your daughter and family. R.I.P dear Tom

Diane Whitesell

Yesterday

Rest in Peace Tom. i will miss your FB posts about many things from politics to football, GM's and GN's, funny jokes. i didn't have you as a teacher in school but i do remember you. Thank you for being my FB friend.

John Howell

November 12, 2025

Rest in peace, Tom; and thank you for sharing so much of your life with us.

David Imrie

November 12, 2025

Always enjoyed his Facebook posts on trains, politics, many areas. Never met in person but I, too, am a History and Social Studies Teacher by training. We certainly had a kinship.

May Thomas Rest in Peace.

Carol & Holden Waterman

November 12, 2025

The world has lost some of its joy. Thank-you, Tom, for your many gifts given to all your different "families" throughout your life.
To Tom's closest family, may your memories of Tom warm your heart and carry you through your saddest days.
We send you wishes that the joy, wit and love that Tom shared with all he knew will continue to brighten your days and make you smile.
Carol (class of '69) and Holden (class of '70) Waterman

Mimi Hoffner

November 12, 2025

I shall miss my friend. Going back to Nitchman and Liberty...and in our senior year's. My condolences to Chrisdy and all his family and friends. You will be missed, my friend..RIP

Mary Wilson Campbell

November 12, 2025

I was so sad to learn of Tom's passing. He and I go way back to about age 3 in Sunday School at Wesley United Methodist Church. Later we were high school classmates at Liberty High. He will be missed by many.

Faith Bond

November 12, 2025

Praise.....no more pain....condolences be with your family and friends as they lift you up into your new home...fun questions you had on your page...enjoy golf in heaven...

Amy Miller Cohen

November 12, 2025

I miss Tom's GM posts on Facebook, photos of places near and far and his abundant enthusiasm for so many aspects of life.

Michael Schrenko D.O.

November 12, 2025

It was a shock to learn of Tom´s passing! I was a classmate of his at Liberty and Moravian and we renewed our friendship at our 50 high school reunion. We also connected on facebook where he posted regularly !He will be missed by many! RIP!

Madaline Muth

November 12, 2025

I will miss Tom's incredibly insightful and often funny observations on FB. I looked forward to reading each and every one he posted. My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dad.

Julia Knight

November 12, 2025

We were Facebook friends. I will miss his posts. Condolences to family and friends.

Florence Turchetti

November 12, 2025

Tom, I will miss your presence on Facebook. Although there are those who might think that trite, you touched so many through that avenue. Losing you was so unexpected it is difficult to believe. Thank you for taking the time to 'reach out' and find so many of us.

Your unexpected parting must be so sorrowful to your family. I hope they can feel how much you have been appreciated by so many and that may bring them so solace.

Goodbye friend. You surely tried to make the world better. Thank you.

Sue

November 12, 2025

I will miss your wisdom on Facebook. Sue W.

Tom crowley

November 12, 2025

Thank you for your friendship and teaching me the difference between s podium and lecturn. Tom crowley

Curt McKinney

November 12, 2025

So sorry to hear of Tommy´s unexpected passing. We had become Facebook friends and had a mutual love of golf. I enjoyed his posts about trains and his beloved dogs Jack (all everything dog) and Charles (the regal spaniel). Rest in Peace.

Shirley Bilheimer

November 12, 2025

Tom was a much-loved nephew of his Uncle Harold who enjoyed playing golf with him in the Moravian tournaments. A sad passing of a fine man. May the Lord grant the family peace and love at this time of great sadness.
With sympathy,
Shirley Bilheimer

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Sign Thomas Bilheimer's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Yesterday

Barb Seitzinger posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Jim Rabenold posted to the memorial.

Yesterday

Judy Burkhart posted to the memorial.