Thomas James Wilde, Sr.

Thomas James Wilde, Sr.            “beloved husband, father and grandfather”

CLARA, Pa.---Thomas James Wilde, Sr., 71, of Clara, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday, October 5, 2018.

Born on February 26, 1947 in Johnstown, he was a son of Thomas Jefferson and Goldie Ona Young Wilde.  On August 31, 1963 in Souderton, he married Katharina “Kay” Kowalenko, who survives.

Tom was employed as a welder/fitter at Cherry Steel in Langhorn, retiring in 1986 after an accident at work.

He was a former social member of Coudersport American Legion Post 192 and a former social member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530.  He enjoyed hunting and farming.  Tom was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Surviving besides his wife are four children, Tina L. (Terry) Houben of Florida, Rose M. (Walter) Carpenter of Gold, Thomas J. Wilde, Jr. of Johnstown, and Jakob P. (Michaelle) Wilde of Nappanee, Indiana; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Debbie L. (Jim) Fox of Canada and Sherry L. (Ronald) Pfister of Green Lane; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by a grandson, Kenneth Goepfert.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Tom’s life at 11am on Saturday, October 20, 2018 at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, with the Rev. Russell J. Horning, pastor of the First Baptist Church, Shinglehouse, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Tom’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Tom, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com