Thomas F. Longe

1936 - 2025

DUNCANSVILLE - Thomas F. Longe, 88, of Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, Duncansville, and formerly of Irvona and Karthaus, died at the veterans home on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

Born on Dec. 2, 1936, in Renovo, he was the son of Thomas F. Longe II and stepfather, Clair and Martha (Rankin) (Longe) Viehdorfer.

He attended Cooper Twp High School graduating in 1954. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and then served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for a number of years. Prior to being discharged from the service he was a loadmaster for the 910 Troop Carrier Squadron He was an outstanding airman. In the service, he traveled to numerous locations including, but not limited to Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Iceland.

Upon his return from service Tom worked for Curtis-Wright, he then worked for General Motors for 19 years and became a Regional Manager for the Southwest District serving PA, MD, DE, and Washington, D.C. He also worked for Cleveland Brothers as a Used Equipment Manager for the company. Tom won the Bill Staley Award and many others for his work in sales, professionalism, and product customer support to name a few.

He was employed by Caterpillar Heavy Equipment and represented the company at equipment shows in Paris, France and Florence, Italy. When he worked for Fiat, he won a trip to Brazil. While working for Boriag Heavy Equipment, he went to Germany to view their product line.

At a dinner held for general manager, he received a standing ovation for his experience, honesty, work ethic, and dedication to his job.

He retired in 2001 after 20 years of service.

After retirement, Tom wanted to give back to his community and became a chairperson for Karthaus Township.

On Aug. 16, 2014, he wed the former Kathryn "Kay" A. (Peacock) Sinclair.

Tom was active in Irvona United Methodist Church and the VFW Post 7043 Coalport where he served as a past Jr. Vice Commander. He was a member of the American Legion Post 6 of Clearfield and the Curwensville Moose.

In his spare time, Tom enjoyed being with his family, hunting, fishing and was a Penn State fan. He was an avid football fan of the Cleveland Browns and converted to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Tom will always be remembered as a comical, lighthearted, and boisterous gentleman. He had a kind personality and a winning smile. Tom always wanted to help others in need. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Tom is survived by his wife Kay; his children, Bernice A. "Bernie" Showden (Robert) of Goshen, Mary G. Brown of Campbelltown, and Kevin T. Longe of Clearfield; step-children, Kathy Smith (Bob Niebauer), Sherry Sinclair (Patrick Stevanus), Frances Queen (Mark), Beth Sinclair (Mark Swartz); grandchildren, Joseph B. Longe (Michelle Hayton), Brandy S. Hoover (Scott), Jason Fraude, Brandon A. Longe (Christina), and Arvard M. Brown, Jr. (Emily); eight great grandchildren, Lincoln, Landon, Valen, Harlan, Heidi, Alexandria, Astrid, and Florian; 10 step-grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.

He is also survived by his stepbrother, Richard L. Viehdorfer (Betty) of South Carolina; stepsisters Linda Diviney (Jack), of McDonald, and Janet Moore (Larry) of York; special cousin, Charlie Cleveland (Joan); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Dorothy B. Longe (2010); stepdaughter, Marie; and son-in-law, Arvard "Cork" Brown.

Funeral services will be held in the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Paul Fields officiating. Interment will be in the Keewaydin Cemetery, Keewaydin.

Friends will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday, Nov. 5 from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, Nov. 6 from noon until the time of services at 1 p.m.

To send online tributes, please go to www.bennettandhouser.com.