Thomas A. Yahara, 72, of Lancaster, PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA.  Tom was born in Edwardsville, PA, the first son of the late Alexander and Eleanor (James) Yahara.  He was a former resident of Kingston, PA.  He was married for 53 years to his wife, Marilyn (Kopacz) Yahara.

He attended Edwardsville High School, Class of ’56.  Tom graduated from Penn State University in 1962, and received his degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was a Registered Professional Engineer.  He was involved with the Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering Mentoring Program with PSU.  He was an avid Penn State Football fan.  He was a recognized artist belonging to the Lancaster Art Association.  He was a member of Shriners International, Kingston, PA Lodge #395, Free & Accepted Masons and Shekinah Royal Arch Chapter Wilkes-Barre, PA, and Penn State Alumni Association.  He was a member of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by 3 daughters: Mae Yahara of West Palm Beach, FL, Ann McGuire, wife of Norman, of E. Petersburg, PA, and Joan E. Kuzma, wife of Bill, of Shavertown, PA; 4 grandchildren: Rebecca Shertzer, Alexis Kuzma, Maddie Shertzer, and Kyle Yahara; and a brother, James Yahara, husband of Mary Ann, of Tampa, FL.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, with Rev. Jonathan E. Currier officiating.  Family and friends will be received from 10-11 AM at church.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s memory to Susquehanna Association for the Blind/Visually Impaired, 244 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA 17603.  To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100