Thomas "Tom" Bradford Lynch, Jr.

Thomas Bradford Lynch, Jr., known to most as Tom, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 64. He was a loving son, nurturing big brother, devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend, and someone who could always be counted on to show up and help—no matter what.

Born on February 26, 1961, Tom was the kind of person who made things work. He had the rare ability to fix just about anything and never turned away when someone needed help. He was strong, smart, and steady, and those who knew him relied on his quiet dependability.

A skilled and determined athlete, he was a talented football and baseball player, as well as a heavyweight wrestler in high school. Tom was honored to be invited to try out for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team.

From a young age, Tom was a hard worker, with his first job delivering newspapers on his bicycle to all of his neighbors on Airport Road. As a young man, he loved working on cars and got his start at Neil’s Garage, working alongside his Pap Neil. He had a passion for working with people, spending many years at Cressler’s Food Market in Chambersburg as Store Manager. When the Chambersburg and Shippensburg stores closed, he transitioned to the new and improved Shippensburg location, Cressler’s Marketplace, also as Store Manager. After the family sold the business to Weis Markets, Tom spent the next two decades at Harrisburg Dairies, working his way up from Cooler Manager to Chief Operating Officer.

Tom married his high school sweetheart and lifelong partner Carla Cressler Lynch on May 29, 1982. Together, they built a life centered on family, love, and hard work. He was the proud father of three children: Emily Ann Rickman of Shippensburg (husband, Christopher), Shae Lynch Yacobucci of Akron, PA (husband, Nicholas), and Thomas Bradford Lynch III—known as Trey—of Shippensburg, PA (fiancée, Haley Fraker).

He coached Emily’s softball teams, cheered Shae on through countless cheer competitions, and spent hours in the backyard with Trey, practicing football and baseball. He couldn’t wait to welcome Haley into the family and loved her like a daughter.

Tom loved the outdoors—especially bowhunting, long drives in the mountains, working in the yard, and family trips to Myrtle Beach. Tom also looked forward to card nights with his lifelong best friends who affectionately called him “Judge T.” Tom loved get-togethers with his dad and his sister, Angie. He enjoyed sharing stories with his dad about local and family history and always looked forward to the laughs and inside jokes he shared with his sister, whom he affectionately nicknamed “Siggalee-igg” (later shortened to “Siggy”) when they were kids.

Tom took great pride in maintaining the family swimming pool, ensuring it was always in pristine condition. Every weekend, he carefully prepared a water sample and brought it to Guyer’s Pools in Shippensburg, where he was proud to hear that his chemical balance was, as always, perfect. It was a simple routine, but one he truly enjoyed.

He was rarely seen without his cat, Elmer, on his lap—and Elmer slept beside “Dad” every night. His granddog, Covey June, adored her “Pa” just as much.

In addition to his beloved wife and children, he is survived by his father, Thomas B. Lynch, Sr. of Shippensburg, his sister, Angela M. Lynch (John Stull) of Chambersburg, his brother-in-law, William H. Cressler II (wife, Jaime); his sister-in-law, Angela Kuhn (husband, Trent); his niece, Madeline Kuhn (fiancé, Holden Smith); his nephew, Brady Kuhn (wife, Kaylee); and his great-niece, Lily Ann Kuhn, all of Shippensburg.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Joyce Ethel Neil Lynch (Josie), and his cherished grandfather, Chester “Pap” Neil. We take deep comfort in knowing he has been reunited with them. He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Lois H. Cressler, and his father-in-law, William H. Cressler, Sr., both of whom he cared for deeply and held in the highest regard.

Services will be held on Monday, June 16th at noon at King Street Church, located at 56 North 2nd Street CHAMBERSBURG, PA 17201. Pastors Ron Cook and Bruce Levy will be officiating. A visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by a funeral service to honor and celebrate Tom’s life.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Tom by doing something he would’ve done: lend a hand to someone in need, repair something that’s broken, or take a quiet moment to appreciate the outdoors.

For those who feel led to give, donations in Tom’s memory may be made to organizations that held special meaning in his life:

● Shippensburg Area Athletic Association, where Tom played for the Shippensburg Stars in his youth. Contributions can be made by check, payable to SAAA, and mailed to: Shippensburg Area Athletic Association 4 Raven Way Shippensburg, PA 17257

● King Street Church in Chambersburg. Contributions can be made directly to the church in Tom’s name.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home & Crematorium Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.