Thomas Amon Kerstetter, III

Thomas “Tom” Amon Kerstetter, III

Technologically Savvy -

Thomas “Tom” Amon Kerstetter, III, age 78, of Mechanicsburg, passed away with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.  Tom was born on Wednesday, March 12, 1941 in Mechanicsburg to the late Thomas Amon Kerstetter, Jr. and Gladys (Stroman) Swingly.  In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Kirkwood and his beloved Cocker Spaniel, Taffy.

Tom’s survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou (Keller) Kerstetter; his two daughters: Pamela “Pam” Ann (Kerstetter) Crider and her husband, Michael, of Enola, Kimberly “Kim” Anne (Kerstetter) Budde and her husband, Mikel, of Eldersburg, MD; his four grandchildren: Samantha Jo Mummert and her husband, Jared, Jennifer Marie Crider, Eli Thomas Budde, Erin Taylor Budde; his four great-grandchildren: Abigail, Annabelle, Benjamin, Ayleigh; and his half-brother, Murray Swingly.

Tom graduated from Hummelstown High School as part of the class of 1959 and from Shippensburg University with both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree.  Tom proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959 until 1967, where he attained the rank of Staff Sargent.  He retired from Cumberland Valley High School in 2002, after 32 years of service as a teacher.  Tom taught high school World Cultures and Sociology, but Economics was his favorite.  While at Cumberland Valley High School, he worked part time in the finance and insurance department at Brenner Dodge and Cadillac in Harrisburg. After his retirement, Tom went to work for Cumberland Valley Motors, first in the Finance and Insurance Department and later as the Internet Sales Manager until 2012.  He was a member of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg Lions Club, and the Silver Spring Township Veterans Memorial Committee.  Tom was an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams, especially the Eagles and Phillies.  He had a passion for computers and technology.  Tom developed several websites over the years such as: the Silver Spring Township Veterans Memorial website, Mechanicsburg Lions Club website and the first student portal website for Cumberland Valley High School students.  He was proud of the fact that he kept up with and even stayed slightly ahead of his grandchildren in the technology arena.

All are welcome to join Tom’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Tuesday, April 23, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. with a memorial service to begin at 11:30 a.m. at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg; with Pastor Aaron M. Erdley officiating. Burial will follow in Trindle Spring Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard.  Honored to be the urn bearers are: Samantha Mummert, Jennifer Crider, Eli Budde, and Erin Budde.  Tom’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the burial.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Tom’s life can be made to Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, or to the Mechanicsburg Lions Club, P.O. Box 1284, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Tom’s family has entrusted his care to 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.