Less than a year prior, one of the two men who perished in a violent collision along Perry County’s Route 11/15 last month had realized his dream of owning a local funeral home.
Thomas W. Ford (Source: photo)Given
Following his graduation from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and Penn State Altoona, Marysville resident Thomas Ford, 45, worked for 21 years as a certified funeral director. He acquired the Michael J. Shalonis Funeral Home & Cremation Services in January.
Following the acquisition, Ford declared, “This is my lifelong dream come true.” Continuing the legacy that Mike Shalonis has established in this community is a privilege and an honor. Our commitment is to treat families with respect, decency, and kindness.
Around 9:20 p.m. on November 14, Ford was traveling south on the 1300 block of State Road (Route 11/15) in Penn Township when he struck a northbound Jeep Wrangler in the northbound lane, according to state police. Why Ford’s car veered into the northbound lane is unknown.
Ford’s vehicle continued south after the initial incident, colliding with a guard rail, going over an embankment, and catching fire.
Both Ford and David Schock, a 62-year-old Shermans Dale resident who was riding in the Jeep, were declared dead at the site. The Jeep’s driver was slightly hurt in the collision.
Ford’s wife Jennifer, sister Lindsay, brother Jeff, three nephews, and two daughters, Lillie and Alex, survive him.
He has three daughters, Cassandra, Jessica, and Gabrielle; two sons, Luke and Robert; his mother, Harriet, and stepfather, William; his wife of 37 years, Roberta; and grandchildren, Trenton, Kensley, Caleb, Wesley, Eli, and Corrine.
Schock’s step-siblings, William, Bryan, and Donna, as well as his sisters, Laurie, Dawn, and Sherry, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members, are also grieving his passing.
Stories by
Madison Montag
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