Thomas F. Dornisch

Thomas F. Dornisch, 88, of 534 Brusselles Street, St. Marys, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Penn Highlands DuBois.

He was born July 12, 1936, in St. Marys, son of the late Alcuin J. “Doc” and Charlotte Myers Dornisch. Tom was a lifelong resident of St. Marys, a graduate of St. Marys High School, Class of 1955, and was employed at Stackpole Carbon Company and St. Marys Precision Homes.  He was a self-taught draftsman and worked designing homes and various buildings up until the last day of his life.

On May 13, 1961, in St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Baltimore, MD, Tom married Susan M. Bauer, who survives.  They were blessed to share sixty-four years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by five daughters: Charlotte Beimel (Rick) of St. Marys, Rita Kraus (Ike) of St. Marys, Barbara Sarnoski (Scott Garner) of St. Marys, Maureen Badeau (Rich) of Montana, and Rose Nunamaker of St. Marys; three sons: Daniel Dornisch (Jennifer), Jeff Dornisch (Becky), and Andy Dornisch (Cathy) all of St. Marys; twenty grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister, Alice Wiesner of St. Marys; a brother, Bernard Dornisch (Irene) of Lock Haven; sisters-in-law: Sara Sharer (Dave) of Creekside, PA, Carol Dornisch of Minnesota, and Dolly Dornisch of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by a son, James A. Dornisch; two sisters, Margaret Bonfardine and Teeta Dornisch; and three brothers: Richard, Alcuin and Paul Dornisch.

Tom dedicated his life to helping others.  He provided and cared for his family, and mentored many boy scouts throughout his years with the Boy Scout troops.  He served in the Crystal Fire Department for 20 years.  He was never too busy to lend a helping hand to others.

Tom was a man of strong faith and an active parishioner in the Sacred Heart Parish during his lifetime.  From serving on the church parish council and St. Vincent De Paul Society, caring for liturgical celebration preparations, maintenance, and helping in the bakery, everyone knew Tom could be counted on.

His devotion to his wife Susan was evident to everyone who knew them.  Their famous road trips and adventures entertained their family and friends.  They served God, family, and their community daily. He was proud of the life they had made together.

Tom was a creative man and talented in anything he tackled from a spectacular Christmas village for his family to many woodworking designs and finding ways to entertain his children and any young person who came into his care.  Many great memories exist because of Tom, and he never failed to make an impact wherever he went.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Sacred Heart Church on Monday June 2, 2025 at 12:00PM with Rev. Ignatius Camello, O.S.B., celebrating.  Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Elk County Catholic School System, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or Crystal Fire Department, 319 Erie Avenue, St. Marys, PA.