John Thomchick, 66 of State College and formerly of Smoke Run died at 5:30 a.m., July 5, 2011 at Mount Nittany Medical Center.Â
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John was born on July 3, 1945 in Philipsburg. His parents were the late John L. and Sarah “Sally” (Opalisky) Thomchick. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dr. Evelyn (Poshedly) Thomchick of State College and his son John J. “J.J.” Thomchick who lives in Boston, MA. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Debra Thomchick of Indiana, PA, a niece, Suzanne Thomchick of Pittsburgh, PA and two nephews, Mark Thomchick of Washington, PA and Andrew Thomchick of Indiana, PA. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Sarah Marie Thomchick.
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John graduated valedictorian of the Moshannon Valley High School class of 1963. He received his B.S. in 1967 and his Ph.D in 1974 with degrees in physics from Penn State University. He served as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Antwerp, Belgium and taught physics at Clemson University, the University of Georgia and Old Dominion University. He also taught in the Engineering Science Department at Penn State. He also worked as a research engineer for Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
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In mid-life, John became deeply involved in investing and established and edited the newsletter, The Whole Investor Report. He also wrote the books, A Guide for the Investment Impaired and The Amazing Common Sense Guide to Your Investment Success.
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John was a Past Exalted Ruler of State College Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. #1600. He served the Elks North Central District as co-chairman of the Home Service Program and as chairman of the Elks Scholarship Program. He served the local State College Lodge for many years as Veterans Service Chairman. He was a social member of American Legion Post #254 and, before his health failed, had been a long-time member of the Penn State Tennis Club. John also served on The Music Academy’s board of directors.
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John loved gardening and was well-known for sharing his produce with neighbors, friends and family. John loved reading and would often be seen devouring a biography, a financial tome or a good mystery. John also loved sports and had coached youth basketball, soccer and his favorite, youth baseball.
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A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory Church, 820 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA on July 8 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Ramey, PA.
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Friends will be received at Kruise Funeral Homes, Inc., 2550 Union St., Ramey on July 6 from 6-8 p.m. and at the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College, PA on July 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
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Donations may be made to the State College Elks Veterans Service Fund or to The Music Academy of State College.
