Thomas W. Allen

Thomas W. Allen , 72, of Frackville, PA passed away peacefully Friday January 22nd at Broad Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frackville.  Private funeral services with military honors were held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Tom grew up in a large family in Pompton Lakes, NJ, and was a third-generation serviceman with both grandfather serving in World War I, and father serving in World War II.  Tom continued the tradition by enlisting in the U.S. Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War.  However, like so many others, that experience changed him and left him struggling throughout his life.

After the service he stayed near the Philadelphia area where he was close to his mother and maternal aunt.  Tom rarely spoke about his time in the army, as it seemed to be too emotionally painful for him.  He was a big guy of 6'4" with a big heart and a booming voice that at times was difficult to control due to hearing loss.  He had a great sense of humor and a love of photography and writing, and he also had the goal of going back to school, and took college classes when he was well enough.  At the time of his death, he was working on his third book, as the writing seemed to help him.  But he primarily found solace in Christ's teachings, reading the Bible and holding onto his faith as his lifeline.  Athough the struggle continued throughout his life, he managed to stay positive and caring about others.

He leaves behind brothers and sisters:  John, George Jr., Rita, Terry, Patti, Diana, and sister-in-law, Sharyn. We all pray that he is finally at peace, and are very grateful to the V.A. for all their efforts to help him.  Our favorite charity is Homes for Our Troops, or donations are appreciated to any veterans organization that helps our service people, or other charity of your choice.  A few years given by our millitary service people often means a lifetime of potential difficulties for them and their families, and no amount of kindness is too little.

Private funeral services with military honors will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Thomas M. Sullivan Funeral Home Inc., Frackville is in charge of the arrangements.