Thomas Pendergast

Thomas “Pender” Pendergast, beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on
Friday at UPMC Hospital in Harrisburg after a lengthy illness.

Born in Hazleton, Tom was the son of the late Emmett and Gertrude Pendergast. He was raised
in a close-knit and loving family alongside his two sisters. A proud 1970 graduate of St. Gabriel
High School, Tom went on to dedicate many years to public service.

In 1977, Tom joined the Hazleton Police Department and served honorably as an officer until
1985. He later pursued professional licenses in real estate and insurance, eventually working as a
health and life insurance agent in Harrisburg.

Tom was a devout Catholic and a faithful member of St. Margaret Mary’s Roman Catholic
Church in Harrisburg. He found great comfort in his daily Rosary prayers and was a member of
the Knights of Columbus.

Proud of his Irish heritage, Tom dreamed of returning to Ireland once more. He was a lifelong
and passionate fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. A true Beatlemaniac, Tom never tired of
listening to their music and played the drums in his younger years. As an avid runner, he ran in
many marathons in his younger years.

He had a deep appreciation for horse racing, often traveling to racetracks and at one time owning
horses himself. A devoted animal lover, he cherished the companionship of his cats, especially
Lilly and Mrs. Peabody.

Above all, Tom’s greatest joy in life was his daughters. He loved Tiffany and Tina
unconditionally, sharing countless adventures with them on trips to historic cities, blending his
passion for travel and history with his devotion as a father.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by several loved ones. He is survived by
his two loving daughters, Tiffany Pendergast of Hazleton and Tina Pendergast of Freeland; his
sisters, Trudy Paciello and Kathleen Czeck; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom will be forever remembered as a loving son, brother, and devoted father to his “girls.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd
Church, Drums. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Drums. The family will receive
relatives and friends at the church from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM prior to the Mass.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph B. Conahan Funeral Home, Inc., Hazleton.

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