Obituary of John Thomchick

John Thomchick (66) died on July 5, 2011. John was born on July 3, 1945 in Philipsburg, PA. His parents were John L. and Sarah (Sally) Thomchick, both deceased. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Dr. Evelyn Thomchick of State College and his son, John J. (J.J.) Thomchick who lives in Boston. He is also survived by a bother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Debra Thomchick of Indiana, PA, a niece, Suzanne Thomchick of Pittsburgh, and nephews Mark Thomchick of Washington, PA and Andrew Thomchick of Indiana, PA. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Sarah Marie Thomchick. John graduated valedictorian of the Moshannon Valley High School class of 1963. He received his B.S. ('67) and Ph.D. ('74) degrees in physics from Penn State. He served as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and taught physics at Clemson University, the University of Georgia and Old Dominion University and taught in the Engineering Science Department at Penn State. He also worked as a research engineer for Bethlehem Steel Corporation. In mid-life, John became deeply involved in investing and established and edited the newsletter, The Whole Investor Report. He also wrote the books, A Guide for the Investment Impaired and The Amazing Common Sense Guide to Your Investment Success. John was a Past Exalted Ruler of State College Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. # 1600. He served the Elks North Central District as co-chairman of the Home Service Program and as chairman of the Elks Scholarship Program. He served the local State College Lodge for many years as Veterans Service Chairman. He was a social member of American Legion Post # 254 and, before his health failed, had been a long-time member of the Penn State Tennis Club. John also served on The Music Academy's board of directors. John loved gardening and was well-known for sharing his produce with neighbors, friends and family. John loved reading and would often be seen devouring a biography, a financial tome or a good mystery. John also loved sports and had coached youth basketball, soccer and his favorite, youth baseball. Friends will be received at the Kruise Funeral Home in Ramey, PA on Wednesday, July 6, 2011from 6 until 8 P.M. Friends will be received at the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA on Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 P.M. There will be an Elks Memorial Service in the funeral home on Thursday evening at 6 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church, on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. with Msgr. David A. Lockard officiating. Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Ramey, PA. Donations may be made to the State College Elks Veterans Service Fund, 100 Elks Club Road, Boalsburg, PA 16827 or to The Music Academy of State College, 3091 Enterprise Drive, Building D, State College, PA 16801 Arrangements are under the direction of the Koch Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at: www.kochfuneralhome.com