AncientFaces Your browser does not support JavaScript!
Please enable JavaScript to view the entire contents of this page.

Joseph F. Thom, Jr. 1932 - 2022

Joseph F. Thom, Jr. of Allentown, Pennsylvania United States was born on August 26, 1932 in Bethlehem, Northampton County to Joseph Francis Thom Sr and Freda “Frieda” Ganser Thom. He was the father of Michael Patrick Thom. Joseph Thom, died at age 89 years old on July 5, 2022 in Allentown, Lehigh County, and was buried on June 9, 2022 at Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18017..

Joseph F. Thom, Jr.

Joseph Francis Thom, Jr. - at birth only.

Allentown, Pennsylvania United States

August 26, 1932

Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, United States

July 5, 2022

Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, United States

Male

Looking for another Joseph Thom?

Joseph F. Thom, Jr. Joseph Thom, (1932 - 2022)

ADVERTISEMENT BY ANCESTRY.COM

This page exists for YOU
and everyone who remembers Joseph.

Share what you know,
even ask what you wish you knew.

Invite others to do the same,
but don't worry if you can't...

Someone, somewhere will find this page,
and we'll notify you when they do.

Joseph F. Thom, Jr.'s History: 1932 - 2022

Uncover new discoveries and connections today by sharing about people & moments from yesterday.

- Discover how AncientFaces works.

Introduction

Joseph F. Thom, Jr. was an editor for the Morning Call in Easton, PA.
08/26

1932

Birthday

August 26, 1932

Birthdate

Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania United States

Birthplace

ADVERTISEMENT BY
Ethnicity & Family History

Joseph F. Thom Jr. was born in Bethlehem, PA. His parents were Joseph Francis Thom (Sr.) and Freda “Frieda” (Ganser) Thom, both of Bethlehem, Pa. Both were first-generation Americans. Their descendants, Rose and Josef Thom, are both from the village of Graz in Austria-Hungary. Survivors: He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Michael Thom and his wife Patricia of Coopersburg, Terry Thom of Royersford and Andrew Thom and his wife Sophie of Burbank, CA; daughter Kathy Rehrig and her husband, Ronald of Allentown; 9 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Nationality & Locations

Joseph Thom Jr. was born in Bethlehem, Pa. His parents were Joseph Francis Thom (Sr.) and Freda “Frieda” (Ganser) Thom both of Bethlehem, Pa. Both were 1st generation Americans. Their descendants, Rose and Josef Thom both from the village of Graz in Austria-Hungary.
Early Life & Education

Joseph F. Thom, Jr., 89, of Allentown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Joseph F., Sr. and Frieda (Ganser) Thom. Joe graduated from Bethlehem High School and attended Lehigh University and the University of Evansville. Testing for admission to Lehigh revealed that he had a high aptitude for both language arts and math. He was also informed he had an IQ of 141. While his father was a civil engineer for the Pa Dept of Highways, Joseph decided to pursue the language arts and began to specialize in journalism. Within a short period, Joseph ended his scholastic pursuit to join the army in the OCS (Officer Candidate School). He visited Fort Henderson, KY, and met his future wife, Shirley Williams. He was wed but continued to pursue his education at the University of Evansville in Indiana. After the births of Terry, Michael, and Kathy, the family went to Bethlehem, PA, for better career opportunities. It was then that Joseph joined the Morning Call Newspapers.
Military Service

He honorably served his country in the United States Army in Fort Henderson , Ky OCS (Officer Candidate School)
Professional Career

He worked as a News Editor for the Morning Call for most of his life until retiring. Services: A Graveside Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Joe’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 30386, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Personal Life & Family

Joe loved golfing, checking the weather, and feeding his squirrels.
07/5

2022

Death

July 5, 2022

Death date

Natural Causes - Cancer.

Cause of death

Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania United States
Death location

ADVERTISEMENT BY
06/9

2022

Gravesite & Burial

June 9, 2022

Funeral date
Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18017.
Burial location
Obituary

Photo of Joseph F. Thom Joseph F. Thom OBITUARY Joseph F. Thom, Jr., 89, of Allentown, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of the late Joseph F., Sr. and Frieda (Ganser) Thom. Joe graduated from Bethlehem High School and went on to attend Lehigh University and the University of Evansville. He honorably served his country in the United States Army. He worked as a news editor for the Morning Call for most of his life until he retired. Joe loved golfing, checking the weather, and feeding his squirrels. SURVIVORS: He will be lovingly remembered by his sons Michael Thom and his wife Patricia of Coopersburg, Terry Thom of Royersford, and Andrew Thom and his wife Sophie of Burbank, CA; daughter Kathy Rehrig and her husband Ronald of Allentown; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. SERVICES: A Graveside Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden Street, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Joe’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com. CONTRIBUTIONS: Instead of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 30386, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

ADVERTISEMENT BY
Looking for more information?
share

Memories

below

Join 2 others
who remember Joseph

Select options below to share special moments.

Baptism Religious Beliefs Add Memory Add Photo Ask others to share How this works

Share what you remember.
Ask what you wish to know.
Connect to discover more.
Advertisement
Did you know?

Joseph F. Thom, Jr. lived 15 years longer than the average family member when died at the age of 89.

ADVERTISEMENT BY
Looking for more information?
share

Memories

below

5 Memories, Stories & Photos about Joseph

Amanda S. Stevenson

17.7k+ favorites

06/30/2024

Jospeh F. Thom, Jr.

He fed the squirrels.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

Comments

Amanda S. Stevenson

17.7k+ favorites

06/26/2024

Jospeh F. Thom, Jr.

Honorably served his country.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

Comments

Michael Thom

8 favorites

06/30/2024

During his OCS training my Dad needed to do a number of things. One task was to layout the parade fields. My Dad was the only
One who could operate a theodolite (a surveyor’s tripod mounted instrument) he said every time he told his leader to move left or right, front or back, the more the leader resented him. Of course he had him move things a little more than necessary. 😆 now I know where I get it from!

Favorite

Michael Thom

8 favorites

06/30/2024

One of the funniest sayings my Dad said was, “ You’re entitled to your own opinion, no matter how wrong it is.” 😆

Comments

Michael Thom

8 favorites

06/30/2024

A Tribute to my Dad

Tribute
In Loving Memory of Joseph F. Thom Jr. (July 5, 2021)

---

Joseph F. Thom Jr., my dad, is a name etched in my heart, a legacy that transcends time. As I write this tribute, I am humbled by the privilege of honoring a life well-lived, a soul that touched countless others.

Dad, your journey on this earthly plane may have ended, but your spirit dances on. You were more than a father; you were a beacon of wisdom, kindness, and unwavering love. Your laughter echoed through our home, a melody that still resonates in the quiet corners of memory.

The Gentle Strength: You carried yourself with quiet strength, Dad. Your hands, and mind, weathered by years of hard work, held not just tools but also the dreams of your family. You taught me resilience—the art of standing tall even when life's storms threatened to uproot me. Your unwavering faith anchored me, by reminding that hope blooms even in the harshest soil.

The Storyteller: Oh, how I cherished the times on the front porch or at the dining room table where you wove tales of yesteryears—the adventures of your youth, the trials you faced, and the triumphs that shaped you. Your stories were more than words; they were bridges connecting generations. I listened, wide-eyed, as you transported me to distant lands and simpler times while teaching me life’s lessons.

The Silent Sacrifices: Dad, you carried burdens silently. Late nights at work, poring over bills, going without new shoes for years, always ensuring our needs were met. Sacrifices made without fanfare—the missed opportunities, the unfulfilled dreams—etched lines on your face, but they also etched love into my soul. You taught me that love isn't grand gestures; it's the quiet, consistent presence that shapes lives.

The Dance of Stars: On that fateful July day, as you stepped into eternity, the stars aligned differently. Perhaps you joined the cosmic dance, twirling alongside constellations and whispering secrets to the moon. We, mere mortals, gazed upward, searching for your light among the celestial tapestry. And there, in Orion's belt, we found you—a star forever etched in our sky.

Dad, your legacy isn't confined to dates on a tombstone. It lives in the laughter of your grandchildren, the wisdom we pass down, and the kindness we extend to strangers. You taught me that life isn't measured in years but in the love we give and receive.

Rest well, Dad. Your memory is a garden I’ll tend with tears and smiles. Until we meet again, know that you are loved, cherished, and missed.

Your ever grateful Son, Mike

Comments