Thomas C. Hobbs, 69, a resident of Forty Fort, passed away on Friday afternoon, March 25, 2016, at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, surrounded by his loving family.
His loving wife is Sandra L. (Casterline) Hobbs. Thomas and Sandra would have celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on July 3rd.
Born on May 23, 1946, in West Pittston, Thomas was the son of the late Henry and Catherine (Evans) Hobbs.
Raised in West Pittston, Thomas was a 1965 graduate of West Pittston High School where he played baseball and football. He went on to further his education at Penn State University, graduating with a degree in Food Science in 1977.
A United States Marine Corps veteran, Thomas honorably served his country during the Vietnam War. He was decorated with several medals and commendations, including the Bronze Star with Combat V for valor, the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy and Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service and Vietnam Service Medals, the RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, the RVN Civil Action Honor Unit Citation with Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Thomas also received the Expert Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship Badges.
Prior to his retirement, Thomas was employed for 20 years as a General Manager for Boston Market.
Thomas enjoyed the many years he spent coaching at the Forty Fort Little League and is remembered fondly by his players. He loved fishing, watching his beloved Yankees and Penn State Nittany Lions, but most of all spoiling his grandchildren.
After retiring, he enjoyed volunteering his time at the local V.F.W. Post 283 in Kingston.
In addition to his wife, Sandra, Thomas is survived by his five children, Dustin Hobbs, Tahnee Hines (Richard Hines), Heath Hobbs, Courtney Corley (Richard Corley), and Nolan Hobbs. He also leaves behind his 4 adored grandchildren, Eva Hines, Ethan Hobbs, Nadia Hines, Samantha Corley, and sister and brother-in-law Debra Freas, Randy Freas and nephew, Tyler Freas. He will be sadly missed by his dogs, Parker, DJ, and granddog Murphy.
In addition to his parents, Henry and Catherine Hobbs, Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Brandon Hobbs; his brothers, Hank and Ronald Hobbs; and his in-laws, Samuel Casterline and Dorothy Snyder (Bill Snyder).
Relatives and Friends are invited to join Thomas’ family on Wednesday, March 30, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.
A private burial with Military Honors will take place in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.
For additional information or to send the Hobbs family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home website www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’ memory to Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge, 974 Lockville Road, Dallas, PA 18612.