Obituary of Thomas Steranko

Thomas Steranko, age 89 of Williamstown, New Jersey passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 24, 2011. Tom was born in 1922 in the coal-mining town of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania where he learned the value of family, faith, honesty and hard work growing up in the depression era. In World War II, Tom served the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) as a B-24 Aircraft Crew Chief assigned to the 467th Heavy Bomb Group stationed in Rackheath England where he earned a silver star. Tom treasured his extensive journal and photo collection of his war experiences and enjoyed attending many of the 467th Bomb Group Asssociation conventions held throughout the United States. Following the war, Tom pursued his passion for aircraft by graduating aircraft school, earning a college degree and working for The Boeing Helicopter Company as a Quality Control Manager for 38 years. He lived in Philadelphia for over 50 years, retired from Boeing in 1985 and moved to New Jersey in 1996 to be near his family. Tom was also a Scoutmaster for 25 years, enjoyed working on cars with his sons well into his eighties and had the patience and mechanical ability to fix anything. Tom was a religious man faithful to his church and devoted to his wife and family. His quiet nature and positive attitude reflected a man who never complained and was always so proud of his son's accomplishments. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Anna, son Robert and his wife Donna, grandsons Robert Jr., Ryan and Brandon. Son, Ronald and his wife Cathie, grandson Justin and his wife Eryn and great-grandson Joshua. Granddaughter Renee, sister-in-laws Mary, Helen and Margie, brother-in-law Steve, nephew Joseph and his wife Anne and many other extended family members. Tom is the son of the late Mary Steranko and the late Peter Steranko and is the brother of the late John Steranko.