Obituaries

Thomas M. “Tanker” Atkinson, 46

September 24, 2016

Thomas M. “Tanker” Atkinson, 46, of Millersville, PA, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

He was the husband of Katherine E. Stehman Atkinson, with whom he celebrated 20 loving years of marriage this past May 18th.

Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Jacqueline Rudy Atkinson of Lancaster and the late Dennis Atkinson, Sr.. Tom graduated from Lampeter Strasburg High School and Lock Haven University. He spent the past 20 years as the Recreation Director at the Lancaster County Prison. After coaching the Conestoga Valley High School Track and Field team for many years, he coached the throwers for Penn Manor High School Track and Field team, including son Ryan.

Tom loved his family and sports and left a lasting impact on those he loved and coached. He coached Ryan and Evan’s soccer and basketball teams and his niece’s softball team. His favorite teams were the NY Giants, Notre Dame, the Boston Celtics, and the NY Yankees. He enjoyed trout fishing and playing pinochle and washers. His greatest joy above all others was spending time with his wife, his sons, and his family and friends. There are no words to describe how much Tom will be missed.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Tom is survived, in addition to his wife and his mother, by his two sons: Ryan M. and Evan P., his siblings: Debra J. married to Robert Joline, Jr.of Pequea, Dennis L. Jr. married to Gwyn M. Atkinson of Lancaster, Timothy J. Atkinson of Milton, DE, Daniel P. married to Missy Atkinson of Landisville, and Douglas W. married to Jess Atkinson of Harrisburg and by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He is also survived by his in-laws Joseph and Jane Stehman of Willow Street, and his brothers-in-law Keith Stehman of Louisville, KY and Nathan Stehman of Blandon, PA.

Friends will be received on Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA from 6-8PM. Friends may call again on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Leo The Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Pike, Lancaster, PA from 9-10AM, with the Mass to follow at 10AM, the Rev Leo Goodman as Celebrant. Interment in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Tom’s memory to the American Cancer Assn., 314 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

October 21, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Thomas “Tanker”.  I just lost a love one just this Monday passed, I know the void feeling and the asking of questions, but I do find comfort in prayer asking for help for the hurt I am feeling. We can help each other heal. I don’t know if you are a reader of the scriptures, but they do help ease the pain of hurt.  Please read  2 Corinthians 1:3,4 reading this did ease my pain and I hope it does the same for you also.
A friend 
Carol

October 13, 2016

Jackie, I just found out today that your son had passed away.  I’m so sorry for  your loss.  
 
Sally Lederer

October 07, 2016

Dear Jackie,
How very sad for a mother to lose a child. Remembering Tommy growing up in Willow Street. I wish you peace & send condolences to you and all the family.
Lorraine Martin Ziegler

October 03, 2016

Dennis & Gwyn and the entire Atkinson family!  We are so sorry for the loss of your brother. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 
Love,
Jar & Dori

October 03, 2016

Kathy,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.   Becky (Garpstas) Warmingham

September 30, 2016

Your family is in our prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Emericks

September 30, 2016

Kathy, Ryan, & Evan, so sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you…Coach Graybill

September 30, 2016

I’m so sorry to the family and friends for your loss. Thankfully we have a savior that allows us to say see you later rather than goodbye. I pray God comforts everyone as they grieve the loss. Take care during this difficult time.
With love,
Eric Kline

September 30, 2016

Goodbye My Friend..
May your soul rest in peace in God’s Heart,
you will never be forgotten, so you will live on.
We can never prepare for such a loss, 
it comes like a swift wind..
Deepest condolences and prayer’s to the family..
John Kricki

September 29, 2016

I am so very sorry for your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Atkinson, but it sounds like he lived a full and wonderful life I am sure that he has left many wonderful memories for you to look back on. As you reflect on your loss, please take comfort in the scripture at 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17. May God strengthen you and bring you comfort during this difficult time. Be sure to share your memories with those who surround you, for the memories shared are the ones most truly cherished, may they bring you a sense of peace and joy to your hearts as you begin to heal.

September 29, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the oleasure to meet Coach/ Atkinson when started employment at LCP. HE WAS VERY KIND AND FUNNY!Good Man ! GOD BLESS YOU!                                                                                                            ELLIOTT,E.

September 29, 2016

My prayers and thoughts are with each of you during this difficult time.  May our Lord’s everlasting, unconditional love and comforting embrace bring you His peace.
Coach Hoffman

September 29, 2016

Kathy, Ryan, and Evan,
May your heart embrace the love from the many friends whose thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With our deepest sympathy,
Penn Manor Soccer Friends and Families

September 29, 2016

Tim, my deepest sympathies to you. I’m sorry for your loss and I will lift you and Tom’s family up in prayer. 
Ron Lample

September 28, 2016

Kathy and boys, sounds like you were Blessed beyond measure w/a wonderful husband/father. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lovingly, Angie Bowermaster Fritz

September 28, 2016

Sorry to Tom’s family and close friends for his loss.  I also worked with Tom at LCP. He was very funny and entertaining! He will definately be missed! K. Gross

September 28, 2016

My sincerest condolences to Tom’s family. Tom will be missed greatly. Rest in peace, Tom.  Michael D. Costello

September 28, 2016

To The Atkinson Family:
 
Expressing heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Tom. Our thoughts and prayers go to Tom’s wife and children and his mother, my cousin, Jackie.
 
Pat & John Eichelberger
 
 
 

September 27, 2016

We are so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. Rest in peace Tom.
Steve & Kim Groff

September 27, 2016

My dear friend Debbie.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  Know that you are being held close in God’s caring hands.  Hope that helps during this time of grief.  Love and Blessings, Pat Carpenter

September 27, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.  I worked with him for a few summers through the Lancaster Rec Commission.  He was a great guy.  May he rest in peace.  Sending prayers for his fmaily!  
Tanya (Gerber) Monaco

September 27, 2016

Sad and shocked to hear of Tom’s passing.  I once worked with him at the prison.  He was such a great guy with a great sense of humor. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.  Fly High Tom!
-Sonya Morton

September 27, 2016

I also worked with Tom at the prison.  He was a great guy and had a great sense of humor.  My sincerest condolences to his entre family.  RIP Tom

September 27, 2016

Dear Kathy, Ryan, and Evan,
We are so sorry for loss. Words are so difficult, but please know that many are thinking of you all and holdong you in our prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Barley Family – Jenn, Abe, Abby, Ellie, and Jack

September 27, 2016

So sorry to have learned of Tom’s passing.  My prayers go out to his wife,  kids and the entire Atkinson family. 
Jason Smoot 

September 27, 2016

Very sad indeed , my deepest sympathies for the whole Atkinson clan and Stehman’s . Rich Lapham V  ( Lapdog )

September 27, 2016

sorry for your loss . .I work with Tom at LCP, we had a lot off laught together he was a wonderfull friend.  God bless you and family.David Ramos.

September 27, 2016

Dear Debbie and Family
I am SO sorry for your loss….I KNOW this particular one personally. I pray for comfort and peace at this time……you will never get over the loss, but learn to live with it……so very sorry again.
Warmly, Jodi Brown

September 27, 2016

Dan, Missy and family –
Mike and I were saddened to read of your beloved brother’s passing.  Please share our condolences with your family and know that Tanker is like a bird singing in the rain, let his grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
We’d like to think that perhaps they are not the stars that shine above, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy! Hugs to you and yours – Mike and Kasey Gordon

September 27, 2016

Kathy, Ryan and Evan, 
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts  and  prayers are  with you all.
Tom was a great coach. He will be greatly  missed.
Stephanie,  Joe,  Joey and  Kyle Murr 

September 27, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss…he will always be with you in your hearts.

September 26, 2016

So sorry for the loss of your husband, father and friend.  I was a friend of Toms at the prison and I retired in 2010 and then heard that Tom had Cancer.  Cancer Sucks.  Please except my prayers and blessing for Tom.  Rest In Peace my friend.
John “Jack” Sauders

September 26, 2016

Rest in Peace, Tommy Tommy.  Although you are gone from here far too young, it sounds like you lived a good life and influenced many around you being a great coach like your father before you.  My love and prayers go out to you and your family.  May God bless your soul and watch over your wife and kids.
 
Robby Robby (Cummings) 

September 26, 2016

Tom, it was so good knowing you and working with you at LCP. You will be missed , God Bless you and your family.  
Marc Anthony Marin 

September 26, 2016

I’m sorry for your loss,i worked with Tom at the prison . Bill Leeper
 

Visitation
Friday, September 30, 2016
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Visitation
Saturday, October 01, 2016
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
St. Leo The Great Catholic Church
2427 Marietta Pike
Lancaster, PA
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Services
Saturday, October 01, 2016
10:00 AM
St. Leo The Great Catholic Church
2427 Marietta Pike
Lancaster, PA
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