Thomas John Kirchner, 83

February 26, 2018

Thomas John Kirchner, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018 at the age of 83 in Sarasota, Florida, a place he called his “slice of heaven on earth.” He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 62 years, Geraldine (Gerry) Huegel Kirchner.
Tom was born in the Cabbage Hill section of Lancaster City on September 13, 1934. He was the second of five sons of Serena A. and Frank X. Kirchner. He was a graduate of St. Joseph Parochial School and Lancaster Catholic High School. His parents sold “home brew” on the Hill during the prohibition years and later opened Kirchner’s Beer distributor in the 1930’s.
Apart from a few years working on the gulf coast of Florida after high school, Tom spent his working years in Lancaster growing the family beer distributorship with his two younger brothers. Upon his retirement in the 1990s, Tom spent his summers in Ocean City, New Jersey and his winters in Sarasota, Florida doing two of the things he loved best, catching fish and telling stories surrounded by his large extended family and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his son, Joseph (1968) and his brothers, Frank (aka “Fats”), Eugene (aka “Squeak”) and Jim (aka “The Rocking Bird from New Zealand”). Surviving in addition to his wife, Gerry, are his five children, Kathleen M. Waldock, wife of David Waldock, Sylvania, OH, Susan M. Baumler, wife of Bill Baumler, Lancaster and Ocean City, NJ, Dr. Jeffrey Kirchner, husband of Tracy Johnston Kirchner, Lancaster, Cynthia M. Williams, wife of Gregory Williams, Wilmington, DE, and Carol M. Kirchner, of Lancaster. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and his youngest brother, Andy.
Tommy will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but hopefully is fishing in heaven with Jerry, Ray, Johnny, and the many other great fisherman who passed before him.
Relatives and friends will be received on Monday, March 12, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 440 St. Joseph Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 from 10-11 am followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with the Rev. Father Allan Wolfe as Celebrant. Interment will be private in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.