IN MEMORY

Thomas Kaczmarek - Class Of 1968

Thomas J. Kaczmarek Jr., 59, of the Greenwood section, died Monday at home.Born in Scranton, son of Lucy Szczypkowski Kaczmarek, Greenwood, and the late Thomas J. Kaczmarek Sr., he was a graduate of the University of Scranton with a master's degree in education and degrees in mathematics, computer science and counseling. He was employed as an instructor at Mid Valley High School, chairman of the mathematics department, computer science department head, mentor of the technology club, and as an applied and college mathematics instructor at ITT Technical Institute in Dunmore. He was extremely loved by all his students and was mentioned more often than any other teacher as an inspiration by valedictorians.In his childhood, he served as an altar boy and was active in the Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He faithfully attended St. Ann's Novena all of his life. His passion was long-distance running for several decades, including completing several New York City marathons and Philadelphia half-marathons. He enjoyed spending vacations with his nieces and nephews, whom he admired dearly.He was an avid Phillies fan. In addition, he was owner of Thomas Kaczmarek Photography, specializing in wedding and portrait photography.Also surviving are three sisters, Dorothy and husband, Thomas Yazinski; Ann and husband, Jon Strunk; and Marie and husband, Thomas Niemiec; four nieces, Stephanie and Sarah Yazinski, Carol Strunk and Autumn Niemiec; and two nephews, Jonathan Yazinski and Tommy Niemiec.