Thomas W. Daniels, Sr., 93, Harrisburg, entered his Heavenly home peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2014.
Born October 8, 1920 in Olyphant, he was the son of the late William and Grace (Edwards) Daniels and graduated in 1937 from Blakely High School, Olyphant and from Powell College, Scranton in 1940.
He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII and married Lillie Martin on February 12, 1945. He retired as Director of MIS in 1976 from the Federal Government at NCAD.
Tom was a member of Progress-Immanuel Presbyterian Church and PIPC Generation; was a former member at Pine Street Presbyterian Church and served as Deacon, Elder and musician. He was a bowler and golfer and a CP Little League coach; was a member of Perseverance Lodge 21, F&AM; Zembo Shrine and Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Forest 43; and received the Meritorious 32degree Award from Harrisburg Consistory.
Musically talented since his youth, Tom played trumpet and violin in his high school band and orchestra; co-owned The Melody Men; was Bandmaster of the Zembo Shrine Band; organized PIPC Brass Band; performed in Tri-County Orchestra, the Consistory Orchestra, Hershey and West Shore Symphony, and the Nobles of Notes Dance Band.
Tom loved his family, caregivers, church family and friends. His greatest joy came from sharing his gift of music.
He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Judy; his son Tom Jr. and his wife, Mary Ann; his grandson, Mark; cousins and many friends. Tom was preceded in eternal life by his beloved wife of 66 years, Lillie, and his only sibling, Gertrude.
He will be buried with full military honors 9:00 am Friday, June 6, 2014 at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Following will be a visitation at 10:00 am at his church, 3640 Ash Street, Harrisburg where there will be a Masonic Service at 10:45 am and Memorial Service at 11:00 am with Rev. Kent Carter, his pastor, officiating.
Contributions in his memory may be made to PIPChurch Music Department, 3640 Ash Street, Harrisburg, 17109 or Zembo Shrine Band c/o Ray Kline, 1004 Muhlenberg Drive, Hanover, 17331.
Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling arrangements.