Earl Thomas Kegel, 62, of Drumore, PA, passed away Tuesday, January 19 at his home with his beloved family by his side.

Known to his family as Tom, Tommy, or Pappy, and to most people as Earl, he was the husband of Vicky Lynn Kegel. They were married on Valentine's Day in 1974, and would be celebrating their forty-second wedding anniversary.

Earl was born in Lancaster on September 21, 1953, to the late Clarence and Doris Kegel.

In addition to his wife, Earl is survived by three children, Earl Jr, Jesse, and Sarah, all residing in Southern Lancaster County, and also by grandson Dylan.

Earl is also survived by a large family of siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Siblings are Dr. Margaret Kegel Cooke, Dr. Cynthia Kegel, Clarence C. Kegel, Jr., Esq., Robert J. Kegel, J. David Kegel, and half sisters Anna Mae Hauck and Doris Blanford.

Together with his brother David, Earl owned and managed Kegel's Seafood restaurant from 1988 to 2008. His first job was with Kegel's Produce, which was founded by his beloved Uncle Earl Kegel for whom he was named. His adventuresome side was shown by his next job in which he traveled across the country as a chimney sweep. He started work at Kegel's Seafood in the 1970s, continued to work there after its sale in 2008, and thereafter worked for a period of time at Mr. Bill's Seafood.

So, except for the chimney sweep adventure, basically 3 jobs during his lifetime—Kegel's, Kegel's, and Mr. Bill's. But throughout the same dedication to family, zest for life, and compassion for others

Kegel's Seafood was founded in 1941 by Earl's father, and for many years was "the seafood restaurant" not only immensely popular among Lancaster County residents–but with many regular customers from surrounding counties. Earl was extraordinarily knowledgeable about everything seafood, and was very proud of his part in making the restaurant an icon for so many years. Many other Kegel family members worked at the restaurant. In addition to his father and mother, partner/brother David, and others who worked there for shorter periods of time, long time family member employees included his sons Jesse and Earl Jr., his daughter Sarah, Aunt Mary Wolf, Uncle Donny Beachler, cousin Jimmy Lenox, cousin Mary Lou Hess, and Bobby Hurst who was like a family member and worked there for approximately 60 years from age 14 until his retirement. Also like family members, three of the Warwood girls also worked there from time to time. Somewhat anomalous for the hospitality industry, the restaurant had many long time employees, many 30 years and longer, and many of whom became like family. Truly a family business!

Seafood was very much part of the Kegel family. The restaurant had its roots in a seafood stand outside Lancaster's Southern market operated by Earl's grandfather, father, and two uncles starting around 1915. For many years Earl's Uncle George and cousin George Kegel operated a wholesale seafood business and also retail seafood stands at the Southern market and also Lancaster's Central market.

Earl was also proud to see the famous Kegel's oyster pies become part of the offerings at Mr. Bills so Lancastrians can continue to enjoy this popular dish.

Earl was a very proud individual. He was always concerned about others. He had a big smile, a tender heart, an adventuresome spirit, and a strong work ethic. Like his father, Earl loved to tell stories and jokes and make people laugh.

Like his parents, Earl took care of his employees, often at personal sacrifice. Simply stated, he was selfless—and cared more about others than himself. Unfortunately, to a fault. Very unusual in today's World.

Earl loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, hunter, and part-time farmer.

Fishing—mostly deep sea fishing– was a passion acquired from his father. As a boy there was fresh water fishing in the North East River and the Chesapeake, and many fishing trips off Cape May, N.J, Ocean City Maryland, and in Florida. After his marriage, Earl's favorite spot was Cape Hatteras, N.C., where he vacationed every year with his family and had a fishing boat for a period of time. The number of big tuna, marlin, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and sharks caught in these waters is too big to count.

And then there are the ocean miracles of whales and "flying fish." Unbelievable until you see it !

Earl was especially proud of the 550 pound blue marlin that hung on the walls of Kegel's Seafood for many years, together with other trophies caught by his father, his brother David, and Earl's children. Earl relished being on the ocean no matter how high the waves—always looking for a sword or dorsal fin coming out of the turbulence, or a flock of birds signaling a feeding frenzy.

Now, he will be seeing his mother again–and again sharing ocean tales with his father!

Oyster season was a big time for Earl. Customers were always asking "when will oyster season start?" Earl looked forward to this important date that came every year in September. Kegel's oysters mainly came from Chincoteague, Virginia, and Earl also enjoyed the annual Chincoteague oyster festival.

Earl also loved hunting, and there were many trips to the mountains, often with his life-time friend Craig Warwood.

On his little farm, Earl grew tomatoes and other vegetables that were not only delicious, but that became part of the restaurant menu—adding a special touch of home grown, farm fresh, organic vegetables– long before "organic" and "farm fresh" were popularized. This was a special and very real touch not found in many other places.

Earl was also a great cook!

Most of all, Earl loved his wife Vicky and their immediate family. He was extremely proud of his children, and held a special place in his heart for his grandson Dylan, with whom he loved to spend time "doing chores" around the farm.

Earl enjoyed the restaurant, particularly the many friendships developed with the many customers to whom he was very dedicated.

In addition to the annual trip to Hatteras, a highlight of every Summer was a pig roast that Earl held for customers and friends and that became a popular event anticipated every year by many. Sometimes there was more fun than can be placed in print!

In past years, Earl was an active member of the Elks Club, Lodge #134, and he greatly enjoyed and appreciated the club for its good work supporting youth in our community, and because of the camaraderie among members and his father's prior leadership of the club.

Work hard, play hard, cherish and enjoy your family and friends—that was Earl!

Please join Earl's family in Celebrating His Life at 2 PM on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA 17551. Friends will be received from 1-2 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Drumore Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Elks Club Lodge # 134, 219 North Duke St., Lancaster, Pa, or to the charity of your choice.