Thomas Francis Bamford

1940 - 2021

SHAMOKIN - Thomas Francis Bamford, 81, of 515 E. Dewart St., passed away at 10:25 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, in his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 14, 1940, he was the last surviving child of the late Melvin and Blanche (Price) Bamford.

Tom graduated from Shamokin High School in 1958, and enjoyed planning the class reunions, which he loved to attend.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served with Co. B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, from August 1963, to August 1965. He was stationed in Germany with fellow veterans Andy, whom he still spoke to regularly, and Edmund, whom he reminisced with until Ed's passing earlier this year. When he came back to the U.S., he was summoned to Fort Indiantown Gap to teach the new recruits how to fix radios like he did in Germany.

On Aug. 19, 1973, he married Jean (Shroyer), a daughter of the late Lawton and Leotta (Schrader) Shroyer.

Tom worked construction with Everett Inc., where he always pointed out his favorite projects of the Washingtonville Towers and the Sunbury Fabridam. He also helped in putting a roof on the addition of Shroyer's Dress Factory on Rock Street. Tom was the best cook in town at Harry's Grill for nearly 50 years until he finally retired at the age of 74. He was well known around the area for his pizza specialty and the Frisco Fantasy. He enjoyed coffee with friends Jack, Malcom, Palmer and brothers Corky and Dan.

Tom was a life member of the Independence Hose Co. For many years, Tom and his fellow members donated blood to the American Red Cross Organization. He also enjoyed playing cards at the Elks, Pastime Club, Redman Club and Eckman's Bar.

Tom attended the First United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee, usher and became the "sound man."

An avid reader of The News-Item, Tom would complete the daily crosswords and Jumble. Every day he would open to the obituaries, and say, "Well, I'm not in there today." His sense of humor was well known by everyone.

Even after finding his obit, we are sure he is looking for the paper in heaven to still do the crosswords and Jumble.

Tom walked to work at Harry's Grill every day for 50 years, which many have mentioned seeing him walk through town. Throughout his life, he always looked forward to the annual Bamford reunions where he spent the day with many members of the Bamford clan.

During his retirement, Tom enjoyed preparing church pork chop dinners with his trusty helpers, making his famous filling, listening to his grandson's stories, having coffee and reading the paper on the deck sunbathing, being the foreman of yard work, watching old cowboy movies and cop shows with his wife many times over ... holding the remote.

Along with his wife, Jeannie, Tom is survived by his beloved daughters, Connie (Bamford) Boyer and her husband, Thomas, and Laura (Bamford) Herman and her husband, Eric; two grandsons, Vincent and Joseph Herman; his two favorite dogs, Corky B and Dallas; sisters-in-law, Susan Kushner and her husband, Edward, Christine Griffiths and her husband Ray "Red," Doris Bamford, Marie Bamford, Terrie Bamford and Nancy Bamford; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Tom was raised with six brothers and two sisters who preceded him in death, Robert, John, William and his wife, Carol, David, James, Daniel, Carol Eckman and her husband, Bob, and Shirley Stark and her husband, Robert; a brother-in-law, David Shroyer; and two sisters, Betty and Mildred, who passed in childhood.

For the last few years, Tom was under the medical care of Dr. Wayne Miller and Dr. Songdej, of Penn State-Hershey Cancer Center and their staffs. He was fortunate to have a niece for a nurse, Tracey (Bamford) Bixler, who provided great support at G-SACH.

Tom is now safe and well in the hands of God!

BAMFORD - Thomas Bamford, 81, of 515 E. Dewart St., Shamokin. A memorial service will be held at noon Saturday, Dec. 4 at the First United Methodist Church, 100 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin, with the Rev. Alicia Julia-Stanley officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Arrangements are being cared for by Farrow-C.J. Lucas Funeral and Cremation Service 240 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin, Lori Ann Campbell, supervisor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 100 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin 17872, Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, 3 International Drive Suite 200, Rye Brook, N.Y. 10573, or Penn State Cancer Institute Office of University Development, 1249 Cocoa Ave. Suite 115 P.O. Box 852, Hershey 17033-0852. To send condolences to the family, go to www.farrowfh.com.