Thomas Jos. Lynch

Thomas Jos. Lynch, 84, of Secane formerly of Springfield, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Tom modeled faith, love of family, good friendships, and the importance of community participation. His usual parting words were “peace and love”.  

He was a loving husband to Joann (Hutelmyer) for 62 years. They raised their nine children in Springfield. One of Tom’s gifts was his proactive presence in their lives. His actions served as messages to family and friends, and he was always there when you needed him. There were many family vacations down the shore and in the Outer Banks, NC. He enjoyed the annual Cape May family weekend every fall.

Born to James and Marie Lynch on February 19, 1940, in Philadelphia, Tom was raised in Upper Darby. Tom attended St Laurence School, Archbishop Prendergast and was in the first graduating class at Monsignor Bonner High School in 1957. After high school, Tom went on to study Accounting at Villanova University, where he also received his MBA in 1988. After graduating from Villanova in 1961 Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and served until 1967.

Tom’s career spanned 60 years working as a certified public accountant. He served as the elected Delaware County controller from 1978 – 1981. Tom shared his expertise by teaching accounting at Villanova University, Gwynedd Mercy College, and other local colleges.

Tom’s community involvement throughout the years included Springfield Jaycees, Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and working the election polls. He taught CCD, helped coach football, and helped lead Indian Guides. His love of sports played a huge role in his life, whether as a player, spectator, or coach. He was a diehard supporter of Villanova basketball. He traveled to Kentucky with six of his kids for the 1985 NCAA Championship. In his free time, you could find him out on the golf course or throwing darts.

Tom was predeceased by his parents James and Marie, brother Jimmy and Jimmy’s wife Helen. 

Tom is survived by his wife Joann and his children Carol, Tommy (Jama), Diane Killinger (Matt), Terri Rafter (Tom), Patti, Danny (Shanna), Donna Cunniam (Ronan), Andrew (Brittany), and Joann Creighton (CJ). He was incredibly proud of his eighteen grandchildren: Rebecca, Emily, Mary Kate and Will Killinger; TJ, Erin, and Joseph Rafter; Ryan and Ian Lynch; Maeve and Sean Cunniam; Danny and Mack Lynch; Devon, Nate, and Nolan Creighton; James and Scarlett Lynch. He is also survived by his sister, Mary J Futchko (Charlie), sisters-in-law Carol Hutelymer, Mary Jean Lavery (Bill) and brother-in-law Maury Hutelmyer (Laura) and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Thursday March 28, 9:30 – 11:30 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 1 Fatima Drive, Secane PA. Followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Katie Kirlin Fund, 229 Wolf Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. http://katiekirlinfund.org/