Thomas C. Updyke

UPDYKE---Thomas C., 74, Oakland, went to be with the Lord on October 6, 2021, at home. Born August 21, 1947, in Johnstown, son of the late Thomas G. and Ruth F. (Shirt) Updyke. Preceded in death by parents; wife of 24 years, Kathleen (Baranik) Updyke; and granddaughter, Tessa L. Updyke, sister, Emily Updyke and brother, Daniel Updyke. Survived by children, Denice M. (Tom) McMillen, Johnstown; Matthew D. (Monica) Updyke, Johnstown; Jonathan T. Updyke (Jodi) Ridgway, PA; grandchildren, Hali Smith (Josh Buchanan), Katie Ferguson (Andy Dorchak), Tyler Updyke, Lidia and Anna Duffield, Mattie and Eli Updyke and great-granddaughters, Ella and Kenleigh. Brother of Donald (Deborah) Updyke, Richland and sister, Mary (Jim) Albert, Ebensburg. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, close family friend and caregiver, Jackie (Ron) Ferguson. Attended Greater Johnstown High School. Tom worked at H.E. Wagner Dodge for a short time and then began working at Bethlehem Steel. He worked at many different divisions of the steel mill and retired from the Bar, Rod & Wire Division, in the 1990’s. He worked for Bethlehem Steel over 33 years. Tom was a member of the Oakland Volunteer Co. He was a former president and instructor at the Somerset County Fire Police Association, Fire Police Captain of the former Geistown Volunteer Fire Company, and former Fire Police Lieutenant and current member at Oakland Volunteer Fire Company. He enjoyed camping with friends at Friendship Village and loved vacationing at Myrtle Beach with Kathy. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at Noon, Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, with Stephanie Betsa officiating. Committal, Richland Cemetery with graveside rites by Oakland Volunteer Fire Company. The family suggests memorial contributions to Oakland Volunteer Fire Company, 1741 Bedford St., Johnstown, PA 15902 in memory of Thomas C. Updyke. Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com.