Obituary of Thomas M. Gilhool

Thomas "Tom" M. Gilhool, age 90, of Upper Chichester, PA, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on August 27, 2025.

Born in Carbondale, PA, and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Tom had been a resident of Upper Chichester for the past 30 years, previously living in Yeadon, PA. He served his country in the U.S. Army. Following his service, Tom worked as a machinist in several shops, perfecting his craft, then later worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for 25 years until his retirement.

Tom was a long-time member of St. John Fisher Catholic Church. He had a lifelong passion for photography, and for many years, he shared his talent as a wedding photographer. He was a kind soul who would always go out of his way to help others and never lost his zest for life. He also enjoyed music—especially the sounds of Eddy Arnold—and treasured time spent with his family, particularly his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, James F. and Marie Swanick Gilhool, Tom was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Emma McCann Gilhool, who passed away in 2016, as well as his siblings, Joseph, James, Mary Ann, Eugene, and infant sister Frances.

He is survived by his sons, Thomas M. (Alyce) Gilhool and Michael J (Jo Ann) Gilhool; his cherished grandchildren, Alice Marie (Lyle) Leitelt, Thomas K. (Ashley) Gilhool, Michael (Kelli) Gilhool, Ann (Mousaab) Abdalla, James (Marisa) Gilhool, Emily Gilhool (Blaise) , and Duffy Gilhool (Kaitlyn); and his great-grandchildren, Emma, Liam, Molly, Michael, McKenzie, Melody, Millie, Miles, Eli, and Lily. He is also survived by his siblings, Rosemary, Doris, and Vincent, and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to his visitation on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 4225 Chichester Ave., Boothwyn, PA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at S.S. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to Mother's Home (www.mothershome.org). Online condolences may be offered at www.paganofuneralhome.com