Thomas F. McCrea
Tom McCrea was born on September 29, 1928 at the Francis Cope House in Awbury Park in Germantown. He was the son of William “Billie” McCrea and Mary “Mollie” Johnston McCrea. Tom had an idyllic childhood, living in the Cope House and playing in the park.
Tom attended Germantown High School and served in the Army and Navy from 1950 – 1957 , stationed in Germany. After his service, he returned to Philadelphia and started working in the insurance business during the day while going to school at night, earning his bachelors degree from LaSalle College and eventually his CPCU, equivalent to a masters degree in property-casualty insurance. Tom began his career with Wasau, and later started his own well-respected insurance firm: McCrea and Gallen.
Tom married Shirley in 1962, and they moved to Fort Washington in 1966.
He was a devoted and loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was proud of his family, and avidly kept up with his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and interests. Tom was also an enthusiastic fan of the Eagles, Phillies and Penn State. He also enjoyed watching high school sports games at local schools in Montgomery county, including games where his son-in-law coached and grandson played.
Tom was an active member of Old York Road Country Club for over 40 years, and was proud that he “shot his age” in golf when he was 91 years old. Tom was known for his articles for the Club newsletter, often focusing on history, medicine, and health. Tom was an excellent emcee and speaker, speaking with humor and intellect on virtually any subject. He oversaw the annual Veteran’s Day observance at the Club, where he was accompanied by his two older WWII veteran brothers while they lived.
Tom was the youngest of his 5 siblings, and was predeceased by Margaret Goodman, Anna May Graham McCluney, William Johnston McCrea, Francis McCrea and Eileen Knorr, as well as his wife Shirley, sons Howard and John. He is survived by beloved daughters and sons-in-law Kim & Glenn Dolton, Julie & Chip Swanson, son Douglas, his seven grandchildren, and his one great grandchild.
Relatives and friends are invited to Thomas’ Visitation Saturday 12/3 11:30am to 12:30pm, with service immediately following at the New Life Presbyterian Church 2015 Limekiln Pike, Dresher, PA 19025. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Thomas’ name may be made to the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue https://dvgrr.org/shop/donation/.
Uncle Tommy, You will be missed dearly. I always enjoyed chatting with you especially about sports and my dad
My 1st and only meeting with Tom was approx 3 years ago when we were part of a group of former residents who had ties to living and working in the park. We visited Awbury Park homes. I grew up in Awbury park and have fond memories as a boy seeing and speaking with Tom’s father Billie Mccrea who maintained the park. And rode a large Gang mower. My cousins Tommy Vincent and Bobbie Coulter visited the park that day with me. My wife Carol accompanied us along with Tom and his brother (forgot his name). We had all grown up around and in the park. Lots of good memories. My condolences to the McCrea family.
Dennie. Baker, warrington, Pa
I always enjoyed seeing Mr. McCrea at Philmont vs Plumstead Christian basketball games where he watched his son Glen coach, and his grandson Zack play. He always kept a stat book and recorded every basket.
I also recall the only time we interacted on Facebook was his posting on my timeline what a great guy my dad was and how proud I should be of him! I certainly am, but hearing that from Mr. McCrea really left an impression on me.
He was a giant in the insurance industry but his personal impact on all our lives certainly is the greatest work he ever did.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family during this time. David and Karol West
Tom was a nice man, a hard worker and a legend at Old York Road CC. He will be missed.
Jim
Tom was a wonderful person and friend. We met by chance at a small snack shop as we both prepared to further our insurance education at the University of Pennsylvania. We soon became good friends as Tom established a 50 employee agency while I selected a more rural setting with 7 employees—both being successful. We separated for quite some time as Tom selected golf and I began a 30 year running career. Later we came together to enjoy MANY high school football and basketball games. A memory that will last forever is that first football game each season, last week in August, warm and as the kicker approached the football for the first kick of the game we would bump shoulders and say “it doesn’t get any better than this”.
DICK MILLHAM