Thomas Handwerk

Thomas P. Handwerk, 95, loved by so many friends

and family, passed away May 7, 2013 at The Highlands of Wyomissing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen I. Handwerk in 2009.

Born in Friedens near Slatington, Lehigh County, PA, he was the son of the late Walter T. and Carrie O. (Peter) Handwerk.

He was predeceased by his brother, David Handwerk, and his two sisters, Helen (Handwerk) Rohrbach and Beatrice (Handwerk) Takacs.

Surviving are two daughters, Carol J. (Handwerk), wife of Jesse D. Ziegler, Jefferson Township, and Dr. Patricia A. (Handwerk), wife of Dr. Jack L. Noragon, Worthington, Ohio.

Other survivors include four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three step-great-grand-children, four nephews, and a niece.

Until his health no longer permitted it, Thomas P. Handwerk ran a financial consulting practice since 1972. His early career began with the accounting firm of Lybrand, Ross Bros. and Montgomery in Philadelphia; he became a Certified Public Accountant in 1945.

In 1951 he relocated to Berks County to become an officer of the Narrow Fabric Company, and later the President of the Wyomissing Corp. He served as an integral part of the community and was active in many philanthropic endeavors.

His life-long interest in young people and education expanded into his mentoring many young professionals and entrepreneurs. He provided more than 25 years of service to Penn State Berks and was named an honorary alumnus of Penn State in 1993 in recognition of his involvement in the creation of the Berks Campus.

He was the 1993 Renaissance Honoree of the Year, with a scholarship fund established in his name. He continued to receive "thank-yous" from worthy Penn State students who have benefited from the fund.

Handwerk was also a board member of the Reading Hospital, becoming Director Emeritus in 1987. He served many years on the Wyomissing Borough Council. He was the 2003 recipient of the Thun Award (Berks County Community Foundation), honoring a lifetime of community service and philanthropy in Berks County.

Mr. Handwerk was a member of the Board of Directors of the Lutheran Home at Topton from 1981-1990 and played an active role in the planning and financing of Luther Crest in the Lehigh Valley.

As a follow-up, he worked with Topton and the Reading Hospital to develop The Highlands, a continuing care retirement community in Wyomissing. He served many years on the board of The Highlands and was there in residence and care for 16 years.

Mr. Handwerk was a member of Atonement Lutheran Church for many years. He was also an associate member of Evangelical Lutheran Friedens Church of Bernville, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church, 5 Wyomissing Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610, or The Highlands at Wyomissing Endowment Fund, 2000 Cambridge Ave., Wyomissing, PA 19610, in memory of Thomas P. Handwerk.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in The Highlands at Wyomissing, 2000 Cambridge Ave. Wyomissing, Rev. Richard H. Summy officiating. A private inurnment will take place in Atonement Lutheran Church Columbarium, Wyomissing.

Bean Funeral Homes, Shillington is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.