Obituary of Thomas P. Lingenfelter

Thomas P. Lingenfelter, 77, of 16 Glenwood Ave., Lakewood, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2015 in his home following a recent illness. A resident of Lakewood since 1965, he was born October 16, 1938 in Punxsutawney, Pa., a son of the late John N. and Verna Payne Lingenfelter. Tom was a 1956 graduate of Punxsutawney High School, 1960 graduate of Indiana State College and received his Master's Degree from St. Bonaventure University. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army, having reached the rank of First Lieutenant. A science teacher, first for four years in the Bradford Area High School, Tom was then employed by Southwestern Central School from 1965 until his retirement in 1993. During these years he had served as department head, as well as class advisor a number of times. He also served as a Student Teacher Advisor at S.U.N.Y. Fredonia and on the N.Y. State Board of Regents Science Education Committee. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. Tom was an avid photographer and had his own dark room. He also took pleasure in the latest computers, electronics, reading, carpentry, the outdoors and nature, and enjoyed traveling to many destinations over the years. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Hoffman Lingenfelter, whom he married July 15, 1960; a daughter, Sheilah (George) Gulas of Medina, OH and son, Thomas (Liz) Lingenfelter of Bemus Point; two grandsons, Jack and Max Lingenfelter of Bemus Point; two step-grandchildren, Jennifer Gulas of Brooklyn, NY and Matt Gulas of Chicago, IL; and a sister, Sylvia Wertz of Rehoboth Beach, FL and brother, Richard (Judy) Lingenfelter of Haines City, FL. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis and Boyd Lingenfelter. A private family service will be held. Visitation will not be observed. Memorials may be made to the Tom Lingenfelter Science Scholarship Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.