Thomas Hakel Obituary
“Tom” went to be with the Lord, passing away peacefully surrounded by family in Port Richey, Florida, on March 25, 2024, following a brief illness of IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis).
He was born on September 3, 1946 in Erie, PA to the late Ruth Imes and August Hakel. Tom graduated from Tech Memorial High School Class of 1964 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force. He served in Vietnam and received several commendations.
Tom returned from the service to work at Seaway Tool & Die and moved on to Master Mold Inc. Then he and his wife, Barbara “Barb” Hakel, founded Quality Mold, Inc. Throughout the years, he was so proud of building his business from a 2-man garage to a thriving business with Quality Mold, Inc, and Quality Plastics, Inc. His employees were his family, where you could find him walking around sharing stories.
Tom met and married his high school sweetheart Barb Hakel, in 1967. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married for 57 years.
He is survived by his wife, Barb Hakel; 2 sisters Maryann Cass (Bob) and Eileen Marinelli, 3 children Kristin Green (Jeff), Renee Hillhouse (Don) and Darren Hakel (Wendy); eight grandchildren Josh Green, Meghan Green, Zack Hillhouse, Mitchell Hillhouse, Ethan Hillhouse, Evan Hillhouse, Nickolus Hakel and Justin Hakel and four great-grandchildren Anthony, Scarlett, Levi and Maive and several nieces and nephews.
Tom enjoyed playing golf where he was a long-time member of the Lawrence Park Golf Club, avid Erie Otters fan, loved the outdoors, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His claim to fame was shooting a hole-in-one in 1996 at Lake Shore Country Club.
Friends may call Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Rd., Erie, PA on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 12:00 P.M. until time of Remembrance of Life Service at 3:00 P.M. officiated by Keith Hardin of Grace Church. Following the service, military honors will be rendered by the Erie Crawford County Burial Detail at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made in Tom’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Leave condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2532 Norcross Rd, Erie, PA 16510
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