Thomas Kendig Desch

For Thomas Kendig Desch, Laughter Was the Best Medicin On Tuesday, October 30, 2018, Thomas Kendig Desch peacefully passed away at his home in Horsham, PA. Son of the late Joseph and Edna (Kendig) Desch, Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife Dorothy (Clark) and their children, Deborah (John) Marble, Valerie (Chris) Fasy, Thomas Stuart (Nicole), Maryann (Tim) Nikander, Joseph (Margaret), Jane (Brian) Donohue, Monica (Kevin) Sheets. Tom is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who fondly remember his laughter and jokes: Geoff (Ali) Wilbur, Jackie (David) Schwanbeck, Jenny (Randy) Schiffelbein, Laura and Christopher Fasy, Alix, Tommy, and Rachel Desch, Andy, Tommy, and Lizzie McCullough, Michele (Andrew) Foust, David and Laura Nikander, Ryan, Anna, and Kate Desch, Cassie, Sarah and Sean Donohue, Brendan and Dylan Sheets, Danielle Fitzgerald, and great-grandchildren: Jonah and Eli Wilbur, Amber, David and Kacee Schwanbeck, and Alex Schiffelbein. Born April 28, 1933 in Lancaster, PA, Tom’s blonde curls and infectious smile offered everyone he met a warm welcome. Even after a boyhood accident left Tom with a lifelong injury, the devout Catholic refused to let it sideline his playful spirit. Tom fell for his bride of sixty-one years, Dorothy, while an owner of Collegiate Pizzeria in Ocean City, NJ. Together they traveled the world, but their greatest adventure was in raising their seven children. Tom graduated from Harrisburg Catholic High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Penn State University and graduate degree from Rutgers University, member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. He began his career at the Pennsylvania State Department of Banking then moved to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia where he retired as Senior Vice President in charge of Regulation, Supervision and Credit. Following his retirement, Tom served in several other capacities including Senior Advisor to the Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritius. Tom was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a charter member of the Father Gallen Council of the Knights of the Columbus, and served as Home Association President and Grand Knight. Tom was an avid car enthusiast and sports fan and loved cheering on his alma mater, the Nittany Lions, as well as the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles. Tom was a born storyteller, and enjoyed many special moments including shaking hands with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., attending the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross, timing the Flag Day 5K, and traveling through five continents with his beloved wife. Tom’s family is incredibly grateful to the caregivers who made his life easier through his illnesses, particularly the staff at DaVita Dialysis. The respect and kindness he experienced was unmatched. Tom always lived life adventurously, with a generous spirit and a lively sense of humor. But of all his accomplishments, he considered his family his true legacy. Relatives and Friends are invited to his viewing Sunday, November 4, 2018 from 4-6pm at the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home 507 West Ave. Jenkintown, PA Relatives and friends are also invited to his viewing Monday from 10-11:15 AM and funeral mass 11:30 AM both at St. Catherine of Siena Church 321 Witmer Rd., Horsham, PA. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations to a charity of your choice. Condolences: www.McGoldrickFH.com