Thomas J. Campbell

Thomas J. Campbell, 71, of Waymart, died Wednesday morning at Wayne Woodlands Manor.

Born April 14, 1951, in Scranton, he was the son of the late Paul A. and Cecelia (Marge) Campbell. Tom was a graduate of Waymart High School, class of 1969. He worked at Gentex, and later at Sugerman's until its closure. Tom was a member of St. Mary's Church in Waymart. In his youth, he was an altar server and later was president of the Holy Name Society. He participated weekly with the St. Mary's Rosary Group at both Wayne Woodlands Manor and the former Mallard Meadows.

Tom was a member of the Waymart Volunteer Fire Company. He joined in 1967 and served as president and secretary until later becoming a senior officer. Tom also held the positions of president and secretary of the Wayne County Fireman's Association. He was a devoted member of both groups and was known for his remarkable memory of dates, places and phone numbers. After he became disabled, his fellow members of the Waymart Volunteer Fire Company took him to every parade in the firetruck. This was the highlight of his life. In 1993, Tom was awarded a plaque naming him Fireman of the Year from his company.

He is survived by aunts, Rosalynd Perlick and Joan Blaker; many cousins and close friends.

Tommy's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Cindy Opalka for the compassionate and loving care she provided to Tommy in his final days. We'd also like to thank the Wayne Woodland Manor for the 11 years of loving care and their friendship to Tommy.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 242 Carbondale Road, Waymart, with the Rev. Joseph Sitko and Deacon Edward Kelly officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to St. Mary's Church, P.O. Box 160, Waymart, PA 18472; Waymart Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 186, Waymart, PA 18472; or Wayne Woodland Manor's Activities Department, 37 Woodlands Drive, Waymart, PA 18472.

Arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home Inc., Edward R. Howell, funeral director, 269 Belmont St., Waymart.