Thomas R. Anderson

Thomas R. Anderson, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 13, 2025. He was born on September 29, 1944 in Ridgway, Pennsylvania and was the son of the late Raymond L. and Mae (Steinbiser) Anderson.

He was a member of the last graduating class (1962) of St Leo’s Catholic High School in Ridgway. In 1963 he met his wife of 59 years, Linda Winters, who survives. Together they built their home and raised their daughters in Kersey. He could build or repair almost anything. His hobbies included woodworking, softball, golf and he especially looked forward to hunting season and going to camp with his buddies for over 45 years. He enjoyed rebuilding cars and trucks and lovingly restored his 1931 Model A Ford.

In 1969, he began his career in commercial insurance as a claims adjuster with Pennsylvania Manufacturers Insurance Co. He was promoted into commercial sales in 1979 and was awarded “Leader’s Club” status in both 1980 and 1985. He met many lifetime friends and acquaintances during that time.

In 1986 he accepted a promotion to District Manager with PMA and relocated his family to Erie to oversee Northeast operations and the Erie and Ridgway offices. He retired from Hart, McConahy and Martz, Inc. Agency, with over 50 years in the insurance industry.

He was very active in community service while living in the Kersey/Ridgway area and served as chairman of the American Cancer Society, treasurer of the Fox Twp. Sewer and Water Authority, President of the St. Boniface PTA and church council, and chairman of the finance committee of Elk County Catholic High School.

In 1974, Tom and his friend Romey Secco founded the “Nashville Collection” a popular country western band. Throughout the years, they entertained at countless dances, fairs, and country shows and were fortunate to open and accompany many popular Nashville stars.

Tom served with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard from 1965-1971 and was discharged as SGT E-35.

He was a proud “Papa” to his four grandchildren and loved to spend time with his family. He leaves them with many wonderful memories of rides in his Model A, making them “sewer-pipes” for breakfast, card games, vacations and picnics on Presque Isle. He loved to sit on the beach and especially enjoyed his annual spring months in Florida.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Donna (Conrad) Reuscher, his father-in-law, Ed Eckert, son-in-law Don Strickland, and most recently, his daughter Nichole (Klemm).

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Michelle Strickland, Tunkhannock, PA, grandchildren Alexa and Colton Klemm (Fairview) and Brody (Long Branch, NJ) and Sydney Strickland (Mechanicsburg, PA), brother Mark (Lori) Anderson, Richmond, VA, Mother-in -law, Helen Eckert (Fairview) and many nieces and nephews.

His family would like to thank Dr. Jan M. Rothman and Shelley Kubaney of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for their care and compassion and the staff of Manchester Commons Skilled Nursing Rehabilitation facility.

Friends are invited to attend a memorial mass on Monday December 1, 2025 at 11am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 130 E. 4th St. The service will be livestreamed on the Burton Quinn Scott Facebook Page

In remembrance of Tom’s life, the family requests any charitable donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangement by Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc. West Ridge.