Thomas Francis Olcese

SHAMOKIN — Thomas Francis Olcese, 85, of Shamokin, passed away suddenly in his home Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016.

He was born Jan. 21, 1931, in Shamokin, a son of Salvadore F. and Bessie Thomas Olcese, who preceded him in death.

Tom graduated from Shamokin High School in 1948. He worked with his father in the coal-hauling business before joining the National Guard in 1949. He was activated in 1952, serving in Japan and was a veteran of the Korean War.

He then enrolled at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science in 1953, and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. He relocated back to Shamokin, where he opened Tom Olcese Pharmacy in 1958. Tom owned and operated the pharmacy until 1996.

He was very active in the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association, where he received the Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Association Community Services award in 1997. He also served as a school board director for Shamokin Area schools, president of the Shamokin Alumni Association and as a bank director at First National Bank on Second Street in Shamokin.

He was a member of the Shamokin Royal Arch 264 Masonic Lodge, Elks, the American Legion and the Moose. He attended the First United Methodist Church.

Tom enjoyed attending sporting events. Those that knew him would agree that he was one of the area's greatest sports fans. He also enjoyed exercising, supporting community services and playing bridge. He loved Notre Dame football and Yankee baseball.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was greatly loved and respected by all of his grandchildren. He often expressed how proud he was of their accomplishments, and his grandchildren want him to know how proud they are of the amazing life he lived and how honored they are to be able to call this amazing man "Pap."

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean; three daughters, Cheryl Meek and husband, Denny, Debra Silbaugh and husband, Darrin, and Janice Miner and husband, William; two sisters, his twin, Marian Keyack, of Erie, and Jane Glennon, of Freehold, New Jersey; grandchildren, Joseph Lech, Tyler Meek and wife, Ashley, Garrett Lech, Gina Silbaugh, Michael Miner and Nicholas Miner; great-grandchildren, Layla, Caden, Myles and Ellyanna; and several nieces and nephews.

OLCESE — Thomas Francis Olcese, 85, of Shamokin. Visitation for family and friends will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, at the James Kelley Funeral Home, 1001 W. Arch St. at Maple Street, Coal Township. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. in the funeral home, with Rev. Zachary Hopple, pastor of First United Methodist Church, presiding. As an expression of sympathy, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Northumberland County Council for the Arts, 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin 17872, the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library, 210 E. Independence St., Shamokin 17872, or Manna for the Many, 103 E. Independence St. Shamokin 17872.