Thomas N. Harkins

Thomas N. Harkins of Malvern, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 6, 2021 at the age of 77. Tom was born on October 10, 1943 in Baltimore, MD to his late parents Amelia Patricia (nee Angelo) and Thomas E. Harkins and raised in Staten Island, NY. He was predeceased by his sister Sharon (nee Harkins) Birmingham and stepfather Frank P. Collo. Tom married his high school sweetheart and was the beloved husband for 57 years of Mary Ann (nee Fieramosca) and loving father of Theresa (David) Eshenower of Malvern, PA, and Deborah Ludwig (Scott Johnson) of Malvern, PA.  A devoted grandfather ‘Pinchy’, he adored his grandchildren, Zachary Ludwig, Brittany Ludwig, Cole Eshenower and Grace Eshenower. Tom is also survived by his stepbrother Frank R. Collo, many sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

After graduating from St. Peter’s Boys High School in Staten Island in 1961, where he was a member of the Track & Field and Cross-Country teams, Tom was awarded a full academic scholarship to GMI in Michigan to study Automotive Engineering and Design. He furthered his education at CCNY in NYC to study Business Administration. Tom began his career with Nabisco on Park Ave in NYC then moved into the Banking and Finance industry working in both New York and New Jersey. In 1972 Tom was hired by Micromation in Berwyn, PA and moved his family from New York to Philadelphia’s beautiful Mainline Suburbs. The majority of Tom’s career was spent with Uarco-Standard Register where his talent for sales and relationship building would shine and earned him the honor of being a President’s Club member. After 30 years Tom retired from Uarco-Standard Register then accepted a position with Trinity Mercy Home Health as the Central Intake Coordinator specializing in Physician Credentialing.

Tom was an active community member who dedicated 10 years as a volunteer Girls Softball Coach with Great Valley Little League and was the first girls coach to win Districts, Sectionals and bring a team to the PA State Finals. Tom was a founding member of the History Channel and whose knowledge of history would challenge the most educated history professor. He was also a licensed small aircraft pilot and member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. As passionate as he was about aircraft design, he was about automotive design as well and owned a classic 1960 Chrysler 300F that he proudly toured on the classic car show circuit as a member of the Chrysler 300 Club International. Tom loved animals and had a special connection with dogs, rescuing many over the years. While living in NY, Tom was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Locally, he was a dedicated and faithful parishioner of Sts. Phillip and James Catholic Church where he volunteered on church committees.

Those who knew Tom enjoyed his playful sense of humor, lighthearted demeanor, gentlemanly manner, and loyal friendship. He was generous beyond measure and the epitome of a soft heart. They admired his deep love for his wife, children and grandchildren and aspired to his level of spiritual content and faithfulness to the Lord.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday June 10th at Sts. Phillip and James Catholic Church, 723 East Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341. Visitation will be from 10:00am – 11:00am followed by the mass at 11:00am. Interment will immediately follow at Philadelphia Memorial Park in Malvern, PA.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tom’s name to either the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org) or Purple Heart (purpleheart.org)