Obituaries

Thomas W. Pfahler, Jr., 81

February 14, 2020

Thomas W. Pfahler, Jr., passed away at his Paradise, PA residence on Friday, February 14, 2020 surrounded by his loving family. Born August 14, 1938 in Honey Brook, PA, he was the son of the late Thomas W. Sr. and Marian E. (Rudolph) Pfahler. Tom celebrated 56 years of marriage with his absolutely wonderful wife, Nancy (Jones) Pfahler, on January 4th.

In addition to Nancy, Tom is survived by three sons, Thomas W. Pfahler, III (Lori) of Blanchard, PA, Ronald L. Pfahler (Kelle) of Paradise, and Karl H. Pfahler of East Berlin, PA; as well as seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and his sisters, Sandra Collins of Parkesburg, PA and Dawn Sobel (Al) of Dunedin, FL.

Tom was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Paradise, and served as head of Trustees and as Church Treasurer.

Tom served in the PA National Guard from 1955 to 1958. He worked for Beloit Eastern in Downingtown and then owned and operated Keystone Motorcycle Sales and Service in Lancaster, Bridgeport and Paradise (1965-1975). Next, he worked at National Bearings Corporation in Lancaster.

He loved to travel and camp. Tom and Nancy travelled to Europe and most of the United States, as well as trips to Newfoundland to visit close friends.

Tom earned his commercial pilot’s license and flew his own plane. He also had a commercial hot air balloon license. He was a scuba diver, sky diver, and shot on the Pennsylvania 1,000 Yard Range in Bodine, PA for 20 years. In 2002, he won the International Benchrest Shooters Heavy Gun 1000 yards Championship. He collected, raced and rode motorcycles, especially European, German and Italian cycles, and collected Studebaker cars and trucks of various years including a 1963 Avanti and a 1947 M-5 pickup truck, both of which were his pride and joy. The pickup truck and his 1963 Avanti were show quality and won many awards. His son, Ron, led up the restoration team for both of these vehicles. Tom and Nancy traveled many thousands of miles in their 1961 Studebaker, two-tone blue, Lark. They traveled coast to coast to annual Studebaker International Meets. He also had a J-2X Laser kit car, replica of a J-2X Allard, which he and a friend built.

He was a member of Christiana Lodge # 417 F&AM. Tom’s club memberships included: Studebaker Driver’s Club and Keystone Region Studebaker Club since 1970 (served as President and Tour Master of Keystone), The Antique Studebaker Club and the Avanti Owners Association, several other Studebaker clubs around the US, Allard Club, Vintage Motor Car Club of America (VMCCA), Mid-Atlantic VMCCA, Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), Hartford Region AACA, BSA Gold Star Club, local regional Hudson Club, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, American Motorcycle Association and Experimental Aircraft Association. He also was a member of the Paradise Township Lions’ Club.

Tom was an exciting and adventurous man who loved to try new things and was always learning. He loved maps. Often when telling a story or trying to describe something to friends or family in a restaurant, he would turn over the placemat and draw illustrations to better explain what he was talking about. He had friends from all walks of life and from all over the world. Tom was so proud of his family and loved time with all of them.

We have lost a one-of-a-kind. He will be so missed.

Thanks to all of the helpers from Hospice & Community Care, especially purple team members, Gina, Cathy with a C, Kathy with a K, and Katie.

Viewings will be held Friday, Feb. 21st from 5-7 PM and Saturday Feb 22nd from 10-11 AM. On Saturday, Christiana Lodge # 417 F&AM will conduct Masonic services at 11 AM, followed by the Funeral with The Rev. Eugene Errikson officiating. All events will take place at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 3001 Lincoln Hwy. East, Paradise, PA 17562. Private interment will be in Paradise Mennonite Cemetery.

We ask those who wish to drive their Studebakers, classic cars, motorcycles, especially British, Italian and German makes, to please do so in Tom’s honor.

Please omit flowers and kindly consider a contribution to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, with “In memory of Thomas W. Pfahler, Jr.” in the memo.

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Condolences to the Family

July 10, 2020

Nancy, I just learned of Tom’s passing from David Whitehead. So sorry to learn this. You and Tom were a big part of my life during my mid-teen years. Some people are never forgotten and you and Tom are among them. (I live out of the area, so I do not receive Lancaster area news very often).
Fondly remembering you, Brad Tipton

February 22, 2020

Nancy.  I am so sad not to be there today to say hello to you and goodbye to Tom, a man who leaves a large imprint on all the worlds of adventure he inhabited. I had a little accident and just cant seem to get a ride to Paradise.  Know that I am remembering all our good times, champagne after balloon flight special moments, and all.  Roberta

February 22, 2020

My deepest sympathy to you Nancy, and your family.  Tom was such a wonderful man and lived such a full life which was displayed in this well written obituary.  What I miss most about Paradise is my customers, and you and Tom were among my very favorite.  Always pleasant and thinking of others. May God comfort you during this difficult time. 
Andrea Eckert

February 21, 2020

A tragic  loss to family and friends.  Tom has traveled to the greatest Studebaker show, hosted by the lord…..fortunately high test gas for his black Avanti is never ending and gradis;-). Rest in peace dear sir.
George Eastman

February 21, 2020

Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
SUSAN TASKA

February 21, 2020

Nancy and Family.. I’m thinking of you with Love during this sad time in your lives… My thoughts and prayers with you and your family..
Keep the memories close to your hearts.  
Susan Stoltzfus

February 21, 2020

Nancy, Ron and family: I am so sorry for your loss and I know how much he was loved and also a great man he was and has done so much in his life.  My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.  
Terry Grinestaff

February 20, 2020

Let me begin by expressing my heart felt sorrow to Nancy, Ron, Tommy, Karl, the grandchildren and great grandchildren.                                            I was 12 or 13 when I first met Tom through Ron at Keystone Suzuki in Paradise.  (I am now 57) .He would give us the styrofoam packaging from the new Suzuki crates so we could go on float trips down the Pequea Creek. I was Rons sidekick for simple things around the shop. A year or so later he hired me over the summer to do odd jobs in his crankshaft/machine shop he ran in a small portion of the Smoketown airport hangar. He would pick me up in the morning on his BMW take me to the airport and the go to his full time job and then come after his work and take me home. What a cool entry job from such a cool guy.                 Tom was just what I needed at that time in my life. I knew it, but some how he knew it first. I have held him in the highest regards as a mentor, teacher and father figure ever since.                  He took me flying, rideing, shooting to name a few along with the good home cooking from Nancys kitchen.                     One time he and Ron did a full power fly by buzz at my house on Paradise Lane. I can still see Rons face (who was the co-pilot) as he made the big maple tree in the back yard sway in his wake. I even think some dead limbs came crashing down.                                                           Tom was an expert mechanic, marksman, pilot, machinest and every thing else he ventured in.                         I feel truly blessed to have known and been shaped by him. I will happy to be half the human being he was.                 Tom leaves behind a remarkable legacy and his family must be so proud.                                                          May god bless his soul, and I hope to see him again some day.                           Love: john & Rose Snavely             
 
 

February 20, 2020

Dearest Nancy, Tom was the first person to get me on a motorcycle. He was also the first adult to unabashedly use a four-letter word in front of me and my parents. But it was alwys forgiven with “…well, ya know, he IS a Yankee.” And he was the first adult I could point to as a man who lived life to its fullest and didn’t look to others for approval of who he was. Though I never knew him well he was always respected in the eyes of everyone I knew who did know him well. He was definitely a special person and he was so lucky to have found you.
There’s not much I can say to ease the pain of this loss, but on a personal note, for all the years of warmth and kindness you showed my mom on those rare visits to Bristol, the Hackleys will always hold you (and Tom) in a special place in our hearts.
Much love, Ed Hackley

February 20, 2020

Nancy, my family and I were very sad to hear of your husband’s passing.  My family always loved you.  And you are in my prayers and thoughts.  We are praying for strength for you and your family to get through this sadness.  Much love, Helen and Ron Kozikowski and our family.

February 20, 2020

Ron and family, So sorry to here of your Dad’s passing, although we hadn’t crossed paths in many years I often thought about him and would laugh to myself of when we were younger and of all the stories he told, memories last forever keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Paul Mays

February 19, 2020

I always enjoyed talking “all things cars” with Tom. What a cool guy.

johnbachman624443586

February 19, 2020

My condolences to you and your family Tommy. 
I love you buddy. So sorry for the loss of your Dad. 
Matt Evans.

February 19, 2020

Nancy,
We are all so very sorry for your loss. Tom lived a wonderful life with you by his side and I know you will miss him terribly. Mother and Daddy loved you both and I always enjoyed hearing of your adventures – although  I had no idea how accomplished he was! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Hackley Felty

February 19, 2020

Nancy….Jon Wygal, here.  I will always recall Tom (and, You !! )  fondly.   I can see parts of Paradise visit, still.  You guys were great, easy hosts.  I had a lot of admiration for you and Tom as a youth and that became respect as the years passed.  I recall Tom being at my Shop one time around mid 1990’s for a great visit.  I wish you and the boys and all friends ‘up there’ the best as time goes on.   spot-on obit.  period. I’ve not yet spoken with Lea about this. We remain friends but that be a challenge at times.  
jon heath wygal

February 19, 2020

Nancy and family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. So much I didn’t know of the great and interesting things he did in his life. How wonderful to live a life and do so much that you enjoy! What a great guy that knew so much about everything and could talk to anybody and share his knowledge. Nancy you were so lucky to have such a great man! Always loved Tom!
Carl Hackley

February 19, 2020

Nancy and family: I am so sorry to hear this news.  I considered Tom a fellow Studebaker friend. RIP Tom.
 
Bruce Slifer
 

February 18, 2020

You will be thue messed 😪
John Ward

February 18, 2020

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Nancy, Tommy, Ron, Karl and the entire Family. No words can describe our feelings on the loss of such a Wonderful Man and Dear Friend. We are blessed to have had Tom in our lives, and will forever cherish the memories of our times together. 
God Bless!
Jim & Judy Sinclair
  

February 18, 2020

Our Condolences to Nancy and her Children on their loss
Bruccie and Danny Lindamood

February 18, 2020

Randy and I are so very sorry for loss. Tom was a great man. 
LISA Cox

Visitation
Friday, February 21, 2020
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
St. John’s United Methodist Church
3001 Lincoln Hwy. East
Paradise, PA
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Visitation
Saturday, February 22, 2020
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. John’s United Methodist Church
3001 Lincoln Hwy. East
Paradise, PA
Map and Directions

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Services
Saturday, February 22, 2020
11:00 AM
St. John’s United Methodist Church, 3001 Lincoln Hwy. East
3001 Lincoln Hwy. East
Paradise, PA
Map and Directions

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