Obituary of Thomas J. Vearling

Thomas J. Vearling, Plains Township, passed into eternal life on January 17, 2024. Tom was born February 22, 1929, on Loney Street in Northeast Philadelphia, one of seven children of the late Elmer P. and Mary E. (Jackson) Vearling. He was educated in the schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In 1963, Tom married the love of his life, Dorothy Ann Lutynski. They resided for many years in Northeast Philadelphia and Sewell, New Jersey, before moving to Plains Township in 2010. Tom and Dot shared great love and generosity with all. Nieces, nephews and neighborhood kids especially looked forward to visiting them and being treated to a cold soda and a funny joke. Tom and Dot lived a marriage of selfless love and dedication until her death in 2015 and Tom looked forward to being reunited in heaven. Tom was a dedicated and innovative worker in his hometown of Philadelphia. He advanced quickly from a 14-year-old delivery boy to clerk at the American Store on Bustleton Avenue. In 1952, Tom began a 40-year career with Bell Telephone in Center City, advancing from Splicer Helper through Manager. Post-retirement, Tom provided consultant services in the telecommunications field. Tom was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Plains, and a former member of the parishes of Saint Jerome, Philadelphia, and Church of the Holy Family, Sewell, New Jersey, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus, Men of Malvern, Holy Name Society and especially cherished serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Communion. Tom was devoted to his Catholic faith, attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying the Rosary daily. True to his roots, Tom was a lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan. In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was preceded in death by brothers Elmer, Robert, Walter and Joseph Vearling and sisters Dorothy Vearling and Mary Powers. He is survived by sister-in-law Carol Ann Lutynski and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend John C. Lambert, pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Road, Plains, on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Family and friends may call at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in Thomas’ name may be given to Saints Peter and Paul Parish, 13 Hudson Rd, Plains PA 18705. Services have been placed in the care of the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., Plains.