Dr. Thomas "Tom" Holland Eberlein

Dr. Thomas “Tom” Holland Eberlein

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Dr. Thomas “Tom” Holland Eberlein, age 60, of Camp Hill, PA, and formerly of Cleveland Heights, OH, passed away at home peacefully in the presence of loved ones on Wednesday, October 25, 2017, after facing brain cancer with a strong and positive spirit.  Tom was born on Tuesday, February 19, 1957, to Jean Eberlein (Lamp) Nicholls and the late Otto Peter Eberlein.  In addition to his father, Tom is preceded in death by his nephew, 1LT James A. Garvey.

Tom’s survivors include his loving and devoted wife, Kristina Machusick; his two children: Tessa Eberlein and Gus Eberlein; his step-children: Cara Meglio and her fiancé, Haider Shamsuddin and Seth Kodner; his mother, Jean Nicholls and her husband, Robert; his six siblings: David, Barbara, Tamara, Sam, Willy, Jennifer “Freddie”; his former spouse, Kelli Kauterman; his many nieces, nephews, and in-laws; and his adoring dog, Rufus, and cats: Larry and Stormy.

Tom graduated from Cleveland Heights High School as part of the class of 1975.  He went on to graduate with his bachelor’s of science degree from Case Western Reserve University and then to earn his doctorate in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.  Penn State University became Tom’s professional academic “home” for the span of his three-decade career at both the Schuylkill and Harrisburg campuses.  Over the years, “Dr. E” served as a program chair and was a dedicated and inspiring professor in the chemistry department, his true calling and passion.  He coordinated the American Chemical Society’s local Chemistry Olympiad Competition at Penn State Harrisburg for 18 years.  Many colleagues and students alike considered Tom a mentor.  In addition to science, Tom’s interests were astronomy, yoga, bird watching, hiking, kayaking, listening to music, and playing bass guitar.

Family was important to Tom and his last trip, to witness the total eclipse of the sun, was spent with many of them.  Plans began in 2014 and involved traveling to Charleston and then boating away from shore to experience totality in all its glory.  Tom was a beloved son and a devoted father.  More than anything, he strove to provide a strong and supportive foundation for his children.  His tireless focus was to teaching them everything he could and helping them become their best possible selves.

All are welcome to join Tom’s family for a time of visiting on Sunday, October 29, 2017, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a service of remembrance to begin at 4:00 p.m.  It will be held at Prosser Hall in the Camp Hill Borough Building, 2145 Walnut Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011; Sheikha Yasmin Haut and Dr. Libby Tisdell will officiate.  Cremation and interment will be private.

Contributions in celebration of Tom’s life can be made to Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2), 1717 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, www.ABC2.org/join-us/donate, or to a memorial scholarship fund to be established in honor of Tom’s life at www.YouCaring.com/TomEberleinsLegacy-992239. Gardeners or garden lovers are invited to participate in a flower pot-luck by bringing a hand-picked or hand-chosen bouquet to the service.

Tom’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Tom’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.