Thomas B. Sweringen Jr.

SWERINGEN,Thomas B. Jr. Age 84, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2012, his 57th wedding anniversary. He was born on January 26, 1928, in Woodlawn, PA, to Thomas B. Sr. and Mary (Hineman) Sweringen. Raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Tom spent all of his childhood summers on the Hineman family farm with his cherished uncle, William Hineman. "Willie" and Tom ("Logan"), enjoyed a close, brotherly relationship throughout their lives. The Sweringen and Hineman families were deeply-rooted, large farming families in western Pennsylvania. Tom attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown, Ohio. He served in the U. S. Navy, at the USNTC, Great Lakes, IL, and on board the U.S.S Valley Forge, where he received the World War II Victory Medal, as well as awards in American Theatre, Good Conduct, and China Service. He then began a lifelong career with IBM. Tom married his beloved wife, Jean (Lilley) Sweringen on November 24, 1955. They moved to Pittsburgh, PA and eventually Johnstown, PA, where their children grew up. Tom transferred to Royal Palm Beach, Florida in 1979, and retired from IBM in 1986. Tom and Jean enjoyed playing golf at Windbur Country Club. Tom also took pleasure in the many golf tournaments he played in with, Gary, T, and Perry. He liked to bowl, watch the Steelers, dance, and conduct many "sing-a-longs" at the Lake. He looked forward to the guys' annual camping trip every year, where he enjoyed playing cards and telling stories. Once retired, his favorite place was "Club Shed", where he spent many days reminiscing with his best buddy, Dan. Tom cherished his family and friends and will always be remembered as "Tom Terrific", the extraordinary gentleman with the roaring laugh and bright smile. One was never a stranger in his presence, and the phrase "'life of the party" seemed made for him. Tom is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Gary (Aimee) Sweringen, Thomas ("T") (Patty) Sweringen, Janice (Perry) Massie; sisters, Pat Petro, Nancy (Art) Davies, Fred (Shirley) Sweringen; grandchildren, Amanda (Ben) Carter, Chelsea (Adam) Cox, Alex Roman, Nick Roman, Angela Russell; great-grandchildren, Logan Carter, Natalie Carter, Addison Cox, Christian Cox, Autumn Russell, Jake Russell; his beloved uncle, William Hineman; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held at Palms West Funeral Home on Saturday, December 1, 2012. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m., with services at 11:00 a.m., and the Honor Guard to follow. Following cremation, arrangements are being made for a military burial in the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida; date to be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County and the Veteran's of Foreign Wars.