Thomas Pritchard

Thomas Pritchard August 5, 1936 to June 25, 2012. Tom was born in Trenton, NJ on August 5, 1936 to his parents, Joseph William Pritchard (Bill) and Katherine Rose Pfeiffer (Kay). Tom's father was an immigrant from England and his mother was born in Trenton. Tom had a younger brother, Robert William (Bobby), who passed away at a young age. Tom attended school in Trenton and Bethlehem, PA graduating from Hamilton High School in 1954. Tom began attending Lehigh University in 1956 and took two years off to join the Army in 1958. He served two years in the Chemical Corps Arsenal in Edgewood, MD earning the rank of Specialist and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal for his service. Just before leaving the Army, Tom met Grace Potts, who would become his wife at a Goodall Rubber Company picnic in the summer of 1960. Tom returned to Lehigh and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 and began work for Johns Manville as an Industrial Engineer. He continued to work for Johns Manville until retiring in 1991. During his tenure at Johns Manville, Tom held a variety of positions as an Engineer and traveled throughout the United States and South America. Additionally, he was the president of the Supervisors Club in 1971 and inducted into the Quarter Century Club in 1987. Tom and Grace were married in 1963 and had two daughters, Susan in 1966 and Kathy in 1971. In 1972, the family relocated to Denver for Tom's work at Johns Manville. Although Tom and Grace divorced in 1980, they continued to be friends and raise Susan and Kathy together. Outside of work and family, Tom had many interests. Most prevalent throughout his life was his love of car racing and cars in general. He was never far from a TV if a car race was on. Additionally, Tom enjoyed bowling, golf, the Elks and camping. Tom served for several years as the President of the Roadrunners Camping Club. Most rewarding to him during his earlier years was as a volunteer fireman for Johns Manville and Millsborough Township. Tom met Leslie Berry in the early 1980's. They became and stayed a couple until his death. Leslie was not only a loving companion to Tom but also took care of him during his final years. Tom passed away quietly the morning of June 25 at Orchard Park Healthcare Center due to complications of his long battle with Parkinson's disease. Tom leaves behind his two daughters, Susan and Kathy and their families including his two grandsons, Dustin and Kyle. Visitation will be Sunday, July 8, 2012, 4:00-8:00pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. Funeral Service will be Monday, July 9, 2012, 11:00 am at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado 80227. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's name to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, NY, NY, 10163 or www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation.html. Please share your memories of Thomas and condolences with his family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" link.