Obituary of Thomas Charles Slane Jr., Ph.D.

Thomas C. Slane Jr., 75, of Boalsburg, PA, passed away peacefully on July 19th 2023 at Juniper Village at Brookline. Born on January 19th, 1948, in New York, NY. Tom was the son of the late Eileen Rita Slane (Kerzenmacher) and Thomas Charles Slane Sr. His family moved to New City, NY when he was 10 years old where he resided for the remainder of his Primary schooling. Tom graduated from Clarkstown High School in 1966. He went on to attend Rutgers University; The University of Massachusetts, Amherst; and The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, where he earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics in 1981. Upon receiving his Ph.D., Tom relocated to East Windsor, NJ, taking his first position as Assistant Professor at Rutgers University, his undergraduate alma mater. He would reside there for many years, going on to take a position as Vice President of Economic and Information Programs at Tobacco Merchants Association in Princeton, NJ. Tom followed his love of teaching and moved to Doylestown, PA where he returned to academics taking a position as Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of Agribusiness at Delaware Valley College (now Delaware Valley University). Tom remained there teaching and advising students for 19 years, until retiring in 2015. During his time at Delaware Valley College he was the recipient of several honors and awards. He had the 54th and 63rd Annual A-Day Celebration dedicated to him, he received the Hall of Fame Fan Appreciation award in 2002, and Inter Club Council Advisor of the Year Award in 2008. Tom was very involved with the Athletic Department where he could be found at many sporting events supporting the students and College. After retiring Tom relocated to State College, PA to be closer to family. He continued to enjoy watching Penn State athletics, of which he had always remained a fan. He especially loved spending time with his family. Tom married Linda Swanger of State College, PA, in 1975. Later divorcing in 1989. Over the years they've remained close friends. He is survived by his two children Brianne Colleen Slane and her wife Natalie, and Sean Thomas Slane and his wife Heather Marie Slane. Thomas is survived by four grandchildren, Kaylin Charles, Katherine Marie, Margaret Elizabeth, and Abigail Lillian. The funeral will be held at a later date with family members and close friends.