Thomas Eugene Pendergast |
| Posted 2012-04-21 by Pat Wilson |
| Thomas Eugene Pendergast, Sr., 87 years old of Chandler, passed away June 22, 2006. He was born in a farmhouse, the seventh of eight children to Cora Leona and James Pendergast on May 31, 1919 in Soperville, IL. He attended school at the one room schoolhouse where his sister Mary was his teacher through the 8th grade. If he wasn't in school or working on the family farm he loved to play baseball. Whether hitting corn cobs on the farm with his brothers, or playing the American Legion teams in the summertime, Tom's love of baseball began early in his childhood and spanned his entire life. After graduating from Galesburg High School in 1937, Tom worked as a gandy-dancer with the railroad before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps for a tour of duty. Tom's talents as a pitcher landed him a job with Gale Products Corp. where he worked and pitched for the company baseball team until he was drafted by the army in 1942. He served in the Pacific Theater with the 5th Air Force, 90th Bombardment Group, 400th Squadron, otherwise known as the "Jolly Rogers". Tom was a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 bomber with the rank of technical sergeant. After being wounded twice and flying 25 missions, he was stationed at Yuma Air Base where he played baseball and continued his military service until the war s end. Medals for service include the Silver Star, the Air Medal and two purple hearts. After WWII, Tom pursued a degree in education at Arizona State University where he continued playing baseball. He graduated in 1949. Tom s first teaching job was in Chandler Public Schools. He taught woodshop and other subjects for eight years before becoming an administrator. Tom was the first principal at Galveston School, and his last principalship was at Hartford Elementary. He retired from Chandler District in 1982 after 22 years of service. Tom was an avid golfer, and outdoorsman. He loved hunting and fishing with his family and friends. Tom also served the community as a member and President of the Lion s Club for many years. Tom is survived by his wife Lucille Greta nee Worm of Chandler, AZ along with seven children: Grete Lima (Enrique) of Calimesa, CA; Cora Pendergast (Ralph Mitchell) of San Diego, CA; Laurie Cole (Kevin) of Victoria, B.C., Thomas E. Jr. (Heather) of Mesa; Vernon (Krista) of Chandler; Paul (Sabrina) of Tustin, CA; Arthur of Phoenix, AZ; and eleven grandchildren: Sergio and Ana Lima; Tanner and Riley Pendergast; Kate and Laura Mitchell; Kyle and Ryan Pendergast; Kevin Cole; Molly and Reagan Pendergast. Visitation services and Rosary were held at Bueler Mortuary, 14 West Hulet Dr. Funeral Mass was at St. Mary s Catholic Church, 230 West Galveston St., Chandler. Contributions in Thomas' name may be made to Special Olympics Arizona, 1850 N. Central Ave., Suite 900, Phoenix, AZ 85004. East Valley Tribune 6/27/2006 See Also: Find_a_Grave |
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