Thomas Schimmer

Thomas Jerome Schimmer, born July 12, 1950, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

Thomas, Tom, Tommy, TJ, or his beloved title of Pappy was from Buffalo, NY and a proud Buffalo Bills fan. Thomas spent his youth with his parents, James and MaryAnn Schimmer and his brothers, Ray and Jim. The Schimmer boys had many adventures and the stories of their youth have become legendary.

Thomas was a great athlete and attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA on a tennis scholarship and majored in English. Thomas also proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Those who know Thomas, whether through his long career at Highmark, or through his many volunteer activities, know that he had the biggest heart and unique ability to make you feel special within minutes of meeting you.

Tom’s greatest joy was being with his family. He always said and truly lived by, “family first.”

Tom is survived by his bride of 38 years, Tina Elizabeth, with whom he enjoyed a tremendous life. They loved being together and made every day an adventure. Whether it was through traveling, bowling, watching the Bills or the Red Sox, or spending time with family, they lived each day to the fullest.

Tom is also survived by his three children, Jesse Schimmer, husband of Janene; Sara Firestone, wife of Bill; and Corry Schimmer, husband of Melissa. His pride was evident when he spoke of his grandchildren, Hailey, Tommy and Jameson Schimmer, Addison and Andrew Firestone, and Cade Callie and Carly Schimmer. Tom loved hard and passed on his love and wisdom to his family.

As a sports lover himself, Tom enjoyed watching all his grandchildren’s sports and they certainly gave him a full schedule. Between Addison and Hailey’s volleyball, Cade, Callie and Carly’s bowling, Andrew's baseball, and Tommy and Jameson’s lacrosse, Tom had his pick (and choice of hats) of sporting events to attend.

Tom’s entire family is heartbroken at the sudden loss of such an incredible man. There is comfort in knowing Tom will live on in each of them. Tom will be remembered each time they watch the Bills or the Sox play, when they stare out at the ocean, or in the every day moments of caring for others.

Tom is no doubt looking down on all of us saying, “We sure did have a time!”

A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Youngs Church of Mechanicsburg, 7075 Wertzville Rd. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church.

In memory of Thomas and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Cure Starts Now, a charity to support cancer research that was near to his heart. Contributions may be sent to The Cure Starts Now, 10280 Chester Road Cincinnati, OH 45215.