Thomas J. Kern, Sr.
OBITUARY
Thomas J. Kern, Sr., 91, of Roaring Brook Twp., passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart in Dunmore. He was married to the love of his life, the former Rose Ann Thornton, for over 67 years.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late William and Mary Catherine (Schimilfeng) Kern. After being honorably discharged from the Army, he devoted more than 37 years as a Diesel Mechanic with Tose-Fowler, while also contributing his skills to the Mechanical Unit of the Pennsylvania State Police. A longtime parishioner of Saint Eulalia’s, he was a cherished member of the church choir.
If there was one thing Tom looked forward to every year, it was his winter trips to Sarasota, Florida – a tradition he spoke about year-round. His passion for music was contagious; wherever he went, there was always a soundtrack – whether he was singing along or listening to the radio.
A true jack-of-all-trades, Tom could fix almost anything – from plumbing to electrical work and everything in between. But his greatest role was that of a devoted family man. As a loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was always present, always caring, and always putting his family first. Tom’s warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication to those he loved will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.
In addition to his wife Rose Ann, Tom is survived by his children: Thomas Kern Jr. and wife Karen of Scranton, Kathleen Kern McCormick of Jessup, Maureen Kern Paskert of Dunmore, and Colleen Carra and her husband, Joseph of Roaring Brook Twp.; his grandchildren: Maria Haggerty of Clarks Summit, Thomas Kern of Dalton, Tara Paolucci of Charleston, SC, Ashleigh Paskert of St. Petersburg, FL, Loren Paskert of Atlanta, GA, and Daniel Carra of Roaring Brook Twp.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his 9 siblings and his son-in-law, Mark Paskert.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 12 at 11:00 am in St. Eulalia’s Parish, 214 Blue Shutters Road in Roaring Brook Twp. Interment with Rite of Committal and military honors will follow in St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Covington Twp.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass, also at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 30 E.D. Preate Drive, Suite 108, Moosic, PA 18507. Arrangements are entrusted to Brian Arthur Strauch Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC in Spring Brook Twp. To share your fondest memories of Tom, please visit the funeral home’s website or Facebook page.
Thomas J. Kern, Sr.
March 7, 2026