Thomas Gebhardt

Thomas H. Gebhardt, 69, formerly of Edinboro and a pillar in the fire service community of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 surrounded by his loving family at home in Corry. He was born in Erie on August 27, 1952, the son of the late Kenneth and Harriet (Shaw) Gebhardt.

Thom was a proud 1970 graduate of General McLane High School and went on to work in Erie for General Electric in various capacities and buildings for 37 years. His nearly four decades of devoted work allowed him to retire earlier than most, during which time he got to do what he loved most:  watching sports, attending high school athletic events, home canning, gardening, hunting and spending time with family and friends.  He was known for his pickled produce, homemade salsa, and numerous flavors of jerky which he would lovingly share. If he wasn’t wheelin’ and dealin’ on custom cuts of meat at the local meat counters or picking up the next “winning” lottery ticket, you could often find him kicked back, enjoying an adult beverage in his outdoor man cave, watching Penn State Football, Penguins Hockey or Pirates Baseball. If they were not playing, then the Eagles Farewell Tour One DVD was playing so even the neighbors could enjoy it.  He also enjoyed spending weekends during hunting season at his brother’s camp in Tidioute.

His love of sports, the outdoors, and spending time with those he enjoyed the most could only be matched by one of his proudest accomplishments: serving the community he loved through his many years of service as Chief of the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department. Members both young and old, junior and senior, veterans and rookies alike, would regularly seek out his advice, and many considered him their mentor. Even in retirement, he remained involved with the department as a Lifetime Member.  Additionally, he was a member of Edinboro/McKean V.F.W. Post #740 and American Legion Post #439.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Gebhardt; sister, Heidi (Gebhardt) Crummie; sister-in-law, Rosemary Gebhardt and stepson-in law Austin Chupp.

Survivors include, Mary Beth Brown, his longtime companion; two sons, Jeffrey and Greg (Carrie) Gebhardt; daughter, Shannon Gebhardt, stepdaughters, Shelby Brown (Kenny Adams), Emily Brown and Abigail (Brown) Chupp; two brothers, Terry and Gary (Dot) Gebhardt; two sisters, Sherry Braden and Diane (Victor) Kalicky; four grandchildren, Ellie, Lainey and Evie Joy Gebhardt and Hazel Chupp; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 125 Meadville Street, Edinboro on Monday, January 17, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a brief service, on site, following the final calling hours.

The Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Edinboro, is in charge of funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorials be made in Thom's name to a fire department of your choice. To send condolences please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.