Obituary for Thomas W. Vollmer
Thomas W. Vollmer, 87, of Tilden Twp., passed away in his home surrounded by love and family on Friday, April 28, 2023. He was the patriarch of his family, the anchor that held them steadfast, a man so great there's not enough words to describe him. Touching all those around him, bringing a smile and laughter to anyone he'd meet, and touching all our souls with music that flowed effortlessly and majestically from his steel guitar. Tom was the light in any darkness, and loved with a full and open heart.
Out of everything in his life, Tom was most proud of his family. He was the beloved husband of Vivian E. (Stitzel) Vollmer. They were married on May 6, 1956 and would have celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage. Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Frederick P. and Dorothy C. (Reynolds) Vollmer. Tom was a 1954 graduate of Reading High School.
Tom started, owned, and operated Vollmer Patterns Inc., Tilden Twp. A business he shared with his late son, Danny. Tom held his faith at the forefront of his life. He was a longstanding active member of St. Michael's Church, Tilden Twp., where he was a member of the choir, the St. Michaelaires, and a past president of church council. Tom's nickname : "The Legend." He became known as one of the greatest steel guitar players around. He started as a young child in his musical career and continued leading up to the days before his death. An amazing craft he shared with the world through numerous bands and locations over the years.
Surviving and keeping his memory alive in addition to his wife, is his beloved family he built including his daughter: Diana D. (Vollmer) Clauss, Wernersville; three granddaughters: Leah Vollmer, Nicole (McCoy) Freeman, wife of Kenneth, and Haley (Vollmer) Phillips, wife of Nathan; and five great-grandchildren: Chase, Penelope, Thomas, Elliott and Beckett. Tom is also survived by a sister: Phyllis Yost. He was predeceased by his son: Daniel T. Vollmer, daughter-in-law: Kimberly J. (Foresi) Vollmer, son-in-law David P. Clauss, and three brothers: Paul, David and James Vollmer whom he is now joined again with and rejoicing.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, yet love leaves a memory no one can steal. Although our heart aches to lose such a tremendous and selfless man, Tom wanted us to only feel love and hold onto all our best & most joyous memories with him. In his honor, live life to the fullest, hold your faith and family close, and just enjoy the ride, because he certainly did.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Michael' Church, 529 St. Michael's Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. There will not be a visitation prior to the service as Tom and his family wanted a musical celebration of life in Tom's memory and honor, that will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Michael's Church, at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.
Out of everything in his life, Tom was most proud of his family. He was the beloved husband of Vivian E. (Stitzel) Vollmer. They were married on May 6, 1956 and would have celebrated sixty-seven years of marriage. Born in West Reading, he was the son of the late Frederick P. and Dorothy C. (Reynolds) Vollmer. Tom was a 1954 graduate of Reading High School.
Tom started, owned, and operated Vollmer Patterns Inc., Tilden Twp. A business he shared with his late son, Danny. Tom held his faith at the forefront of his life. He was a longstanding active member of St. Michael's Church, Tilden Twp., where he was a member of the choir, the St. Michaelaires, and a past president of church council. Tom's nickname : "The Legend." He became known as one of the greatest steel guitar players around. He started as a young child in his musical career and continued leading up to the days before his death. An amazing craft he shared with the world through numerous bands and locations over the years.
Surviving and keeping his memory alive in addition to his wife, is his beloved family he built including his daughter: Diana D. (Vollmer) Clauss, Wernersville; three granddaughters: Leah Vollmer, Nicole (McCoy) Freeman, wife of Kenneth, and Haley (Vollmer) Phillips, wife of Nathan; and five great-grandchildren: Chase, Penelope, Thomas, Elliott and Beckett. Tom is also survived by a sister: Phyllis Yost. He was predeceased by his son: Daniel T. Vollmer, daughter-in-law: Kimberly J. (Foresi) Vollmer, son-in-law David P. Clauss, and three brothers: Paul, David and James Vollmer whom he is now joined again with and rejoicing.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, yet love leaves a memory no one can steal. Although our heart aches to lose such a tremendous and selfless man, Tom wanted us to only feel love and hold onto all our best & most joyous memories with him. In his honor, live life to the fullest, hold your faith and family close, and just enjoy the ride, because he certainly did.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. Michael' Church, 529 St. Michael's Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Burial will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. There will not be a visitation prior to the service as Tom and his family wanted a musical celebration of life in Tom's memory and honor, that will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Michael's Church, at the above address. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, please visit, www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.