THOMAS HARDISKY Obituary

THOMAS HARDISKY

Apr. 28, 2018

Thomas S. Hardisky, 59, went to be with the Lord at his home on April 28, 2018, in Loganton.

Tom was born on Dec. 28, 1958, in Meshoppen, to parents, the former Anna M. Kiska and the late Joseph A. Hardisky Sr.

He graduated from Penn State University with bachelor of science degrees in biology and wildlife science, as well as from Mississippi State University with a master's degree in wildlife ecology. Tom was a certified wildlife biologist, employed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for 28 years where he received the Wildlife Conservation Award.

He was a very active board member and officer for the Pennsylvania Chapter Wildlife Society and lifetime member of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association. In addition, Tom was an avid trapper, hunter, fisherman, loved exploring remote areas, loved to travel and enjoyed gardening and photography. Tom often offered and volunteered his wildlife expertise to individuals and various community organizations.

Tom was a faithful lifetime member of the Catholic Church, attending Immaculate Conception Church in Bastress, and also attending the Church of the Brethren in Eastville.

Surviving in addition to his mother of Tunkhannock; are his loving wife, the former Laurie L. Heggenstaller; daughters: Justine M. (Seth) Shady of Loganton, and Mikaela J. Heggenstaller of Dublin, Texas; siblings: Jo-Ann M. (Dave) O'Rourke of Reading, Michael A. (Debra) Hardisky of Moscow, and Joseph A. Jr. (Lynn) Hardisky of Shavertown; grandchildren: Joshua R. and Rylee Jo Shady; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was an amazing person who never knew the words, "I, me or mine." His life was about helping everyone he could, sharing/caring and giving to his family, friends, loved ones and many whom he never knew through numerous charitable givings. His legacy is one that will live on through the love he had for his wife, daughters, grandchildren, parents, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews.

A great light has gone out as the world just lost a true friend.

A memorial mass honoring Tom will be held 11 a.m., on Thursday, May 3, at the Immaculate Conception Church, 5973 Jacks Hollow Rd., Williamsport. Father Bert Kozen will officiate. Meal to follow at Sugar Valley Church of the Brethren, 2305 E. Winter Rd., Loganton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heifer Foundation at www.heifer.org/.

Arrangements entrusted to Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, Jersey Shore.

Expressions of love may be made at www.WelkerFuneralHome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Wyoming County Examiner on May 2, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS HARDISKY

9 Entries

Charles Smith

June 12, 2018

So sorry for your loss.
I was in his class in school andon the track team with him.
He was a great friend and all of his family are such good people.
I will miss him sorely.
We will meet again some day where there is no death.

Richard Bohn

May 2, 2018

There is one thing that I feel can be said about Tom.-If you didn't get along with him, there must have been something wrong with you. As a past President of the Pa. Trappers' Association, I had the privilege of meeting and working with him on many various trapping and fur bearer management issues in the late 90's and early 2000's. His expertise was really great during the best management practice studies. As the article above said, we have lost a great friend. Rich Bohn, Scranton,Pa.

Thomas Lewis

May 2, 2018

First met Tom in the classroom at PSU in the early 1980's. Tom will always be remembered for the contagious enthusiasm he expressed towards wildlife and wild places throughout his life. Peace, my friend.

Chuck Thoma

May 2, 2018

I had the greatest pleasure working with Tom for several years as a PGC biologist doing pheasant and furbearer research. Tom was as good a person as he was a wildlife biologist and he was always a joy to be with in the field. Like so many others I have a heavy heart. Condolences to his family.

An old friend

May 1, 2018

Such sad news! I went to high school with Tom and will always remember how kind he was to everyone. Rest in peace my old friend. May the angels hold you in their arms. And Blessings to your family at this difficult time.

Shayne Hoachlander

May 1, 2018

I had the privilege of working with Tom in the PA Game Commission and the wildlife society board. He was one of the most genuine and honorable people I ' ve ever known. The wildlife community and the citizens of the world will miss this exceptional man. With my deepest sympathy.

Shayne Hoachlander

Mike O'Brien

April 30, 2018

I first met Tom in the late 1990's through the Northeast Furbearer Technical Committee. I haven't seen him in a few years, but will always remember his good company and easy laugh at our annual meetings at various locations in the Northeast and eastern Canada. Particularly I remember laughing and talking into the night in a cabin on Bon Portage Island on the southwestern coast of Nova Scotia, nearly 20 years ago now. Just 2 years ago we hosted the NEFRTC mtg on Bon Portage island for the second time and I recall we were all disappointed that Tom was not able to make it. It was my pleasure and honour to have known Tom as a colleague and friend. Good hunting my friend.......

Randy Shoup

April 30, 2018

I first met Tom when I was a young cadet at the Game Commission training academy in 1995. He was always a down to earth, approachable, professional wildlife biologist who was eager to share. So sad to see a good man leave us so young. The entire agency will miss you Tom. Deepest sympathies to your family.

Diane Grimes

April 30, 2018

I am so very sorry for your loss and truly shocked when I read of Tom's passing.

Having worked with him for many years (PGC) he was always the 'giving' person, whether it was of himself (to help) or his many 'wares' that he was so very proud of having either grown or made by himself!

God has surely gained a truly wonderful Angel to have by His side.

May God Bless you all and may He give you strength during this most difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire 'family', both blood and extended...

Such a wonderful man and I'm proud to have known him and call him my friend, though gone much too soon...

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