Thomas J. Eberlein

Thomas Eberlein, age 91, of Erie passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Born in Erie on August 30, 1933, he was a son of the late William "John" and Margaret (Prizinsky) Eberlein.
Tom was a graduate of Saint Patrick Grade School and Cathedral Prep High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and baseball. Tom went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War where he experienced many cruises, the final being an "around the world cruise." After the service, Tom went to Gannon for one year and then took a job with the First National Bank where he would work until his retirement. After retirement, he took a position with the Erie YMCA as Coordinator of Industrial and Church Basketball Leagues.
Active in sports, Tom coached little league baseball and was a longtime PIAA basketball official and softball umpire. He was often referred to as "Mr. Rules." An avid golfer, he was a fixture at Downing Golf Course. He was regularly seen in the practice field even after walking 18 holes. Tom had two hole-in-ones, both at Erie Golf Course. He also enjoyed playing cards at the Mercy Hilltop Center and had the ability to run all the points in a hand of pinocle.
A devout catholic, Tom was a member of St. Luke Church and the Knights of St. Patrick. He taught Sunday religious education at St. Luke's and had served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Vincent Hospital.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, William Eberlein, Kathryn McKenrick, and Deacon John Eberlein.
Tom is survived by his wife of 65 years Lucille (Tullio) Eberlein; his children, Timothy Eberlein (Alita), Thomas Eberlein Jr. (Ange) and Jennifer Eberlein; grandchildren, Niko, Mason, and Lia Eberlein. He is also survived by his sisters Sally Kolbas (Michael), Joan Peterson (Deacon Jerry), and Diane Anke (Jack); brothers-in-law, Jim McKenrick and David Tullio; sister-in-law, Barbara Eberlein and many nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2 to 7 pm at the Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pine Avenue Branch, 845 East 38th Street. A service will be held there on Tuesday at 9:30 am followed by a funeral mass at St. Luke Church at 10 am. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Erie VA to assist with the purchase of a new wheelchair vehicle which assists disabled veterans with transportation to appointments. Checks can be made out and mailed to the VA (please code #1012) at 135 East 38th Street, Erie PA 16504, Attn: Eric Cass. Condolences may be left at www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com