Thomas M Pickard, Sr.

Thomas M. Pickard Sr. was born February 22, 1938 in Philadelphia, PA. The fourth child of Oliver J. Pickard and Elizabeth L. (Jordan) Pickard, passed away peacefully at home on April 19, 2021 in Flourtown, PA, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

In 1954, Tom left home to attend St. Francis Preparatory High School in Spring Grove, PA and graduated in 1956, where he played football, basketball as well as enjoying debate and theater.   After graduation he was accepted to Drexel University on full scholarship but instead opted to attend St. Francis College in Loretto, PA.   Before finishing college Tom went to work for his father at Joseph Pickard’s Sons Co. in the Wissinoming section of Philadelphia, which his grandfather founded in 1892, eventually becoming the company’s President.    For 10 years prior to his retirement, Tom worked as the northeast regional salesman for Alpheus Cleaning Technologies, Inc. of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  Tom’s true love had always been sales, going above and beyond for his customers was his trademark and he built lifelong friendships in the process.

In 1958, Tom met Ann L. Hofmann on Long Beach Island, NJ. where both of their parents maintained summer homes.  They enjoyed water skiing off of his 1955 Chris Craft Sportsman all summer long and fires on the beach with friends.  On October 10^th, 1959 Thomas Michael Pickard married Ann Louise Hofmann of Reading, PA.  They soon moved into a small home on Tyson Ave. in Philadelphia, PA and started a family, their first child was born in 1960 and their last in 1973.

When Tom and Ann weren’t raising their children he enjoyed competitive sailing and was an alternate crew member for The America’s Cup Team Intrepid in 1970. Tom was also an avid reader who spent many hours studying American and maritime history.  Tom was quite active in the Boy Scouts of America and served as the Scoutmaster to Troop 325 of Huntingdon Valley, PA. taking his children and many others on scouting adventures.  He loved all dogs, especially Ginger his labradoodle and close companion of 14 years.  Most important to Tom were his children and grandchildren who he delighted in teasing and loving at every opportunity.  His presence will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by his family and friends.

Tom is survived by his wife Ann, their 5 children; Kathleen A. Busillo, Thomas M. Pickard Jr. (Alexandra Langendorfer), Christopher J. Pickard (Kathleen), John C. Pickard (Denise) and David M. Pickard (Denise).  Their twelve grandchildren; Anthony Jr. (Melissa), Alexander, Elizabeth, Aleksandr, Devon, Sarah, Kylie, Caitlyn, John Jr., Grace, Hayden and Ethan.  And four great grandchildren; Rachel, Abigal, Isabella and Braeden.

A memorial service to be announced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Skin Cancer Foundation (Skincancer.org) or Dementia Society of America (Dementiasociety.org)