Obituary for Thomas A. Kilcullen Jr.
Thomas A. Kilcullen, Jr., 80, of Wyomissing, passed away suddenly Wednesday July 29, 2020 in the care of Reading Hospital. He was the loving husband of Patricia L. (Schein) since 2007.
Born in Darby, he was a son of the late Elizabeth ( Schleicher) and Thomas A. Kilcullen Sr. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School ‘58, receiving letters in rowing and football.
Tom Killcullen was a great many things to a great many people. Professionally, Tom was a dedicated firefighter and officer. He was a firefighter with the Norristown Fire Department from March 18, 1971 until his retirement on July 1, 1998. The job he did and the brothers he worked alongside were always one of his greatest passions in life. He was proud to be a founding organizer of his local firefighters’ union in 1974. He was also a shrewd negotiator, having participated in countless collective bargaining sessions over his tenure as President of IAFF Local 2335. Tom drove a hard bargain and fought tirelessly for the members. He remained on the pension board until his passing.
Before answering the call to service, however, he was a “body man,” working in a body shop repairing cars, another lifelong interest of his. He could spend hours talking about the hot rods he worked on in his youth.
Personally, Tom enjoyed spending his time at home with his family. He took great pride in being a father and grandfather. Many afternoons were spent playing cards and board games at the kitchen table. Since his retirement, he found peace in the simple things in life: enjoying a good meal with friends and family or traveling with his beloved wife, Pat.
Tom was a storyteller. Whether it was about guys in the firehouse, his childhood hijinxs, or some dramatic action on the fireground, he would weave a narrative that would captivate anyone who chose to listen. But no matter the story or his role in it, Tom was a humble man who often downplayed his involvement. The focus was always on those with him.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children: Lisa Kilcullen Ricci of Acworth, GA; and Zachary Adams, husband of Rachel, of Muhlenberg; his grandchildren Nicholas Ricci, Madison Ricci, and Hannah Adams; his sister Anne Tucker; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family asks that contributions in his memory be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg MD 21727.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:00AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola R.C.C., 2810 St. Albans Dr, Reading PA 19608. Burial at Pleasant View Cemetery will be held privately at the convenience of his family.
The Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to assist with arrangements. Condolences, tributes, and fond memories may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Darby, he was a son of the late Elizabeth ( Schleicher) and Thomas A. Kilcullen Sr. He graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School ‘58, receiving letters in rowing and football.
Tom Killcullen was a great many things to a great many people. Professionally, Tom was a dedicated firefighter and officer. He was a firefighter with the Norristown Fire Department from March 18, 1971 until his retirement on July 1, 1998. The job he did and the brothers he worked alongside were always one of his greatest passions in life. He was proud to be a founding organizer of his local firefighters’ union in 1974. He was also a shrewd negotiator, having participated in countless collective bargaining sessions over his tenure as President of IAFF Local 2335. Tom drove a hard bargain and fought tirelessly for the members. He remained on the pension board until his passing.
Before answering the call to service, however, he was a “body man,” working in a body shop repairing cars, another lifelong interest of his. He could spend hours talking about the hot rods he worked on in his youth.
Personally, Tom enjoyed spending his time at home with his family. He took great pride in being a father and grandfather. Many afternoons were spent playing cards and board games at the kitchen table. Since his retirement, he found peace in the simple things in life: enjoying a good meal with friends and family or traveling with his beloved wife, Pat.
Tom was a storyteller. Whether it was about guys in the firehouse, his childhood hijinxs, or some dramatic action on the fireground, he would weave a narrative that would captivate anyone who chose to listen. But no matter the story or his role in it, Tom was a humble man who often downplayed his involvement. The focus was always on those with him.
In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children: Lisa Kilcullen Ricci of Acworth, GA; and Zachary Adams, husband of Rachel, of Muhlenberg; his grandchildren Nicholas Ricci, Madison Ricci, and Hannah Adams; his sister Anne Tucker; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family asks that contributions in his memory be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, PO. Drawer 498, Emmitsburg MD 21727.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at 10:00AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola R.C.C., 2810 St. Albans Dr, Reading PA 19608. Burial at Pleasant View Cemetery will be held privately at the convenience of his family.
The Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to assist with arrangements. Condolences, tributes, and fond memories may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.