Obituaries

Thomas (Tom) “Skipper” McNamara, of Thompson and formerly of Taylor, passed away Friday morning at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Scranton after an illness. He was 80 years old.
On Nov. 11, 2021, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Catherine “Katie” (Kern) McNamara.
Born in Scranton on June 22, 1943, Tom was the son of the late John “Stretch” and Clare (Langan) McNamara. A 1961 graduate of the former Scranton Technical High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, prior to his honorable discharge from service.
Tom briefly sold insurance in the Lehigh Valley and in Allentown is where he met his beloved Katie. He humbly began a career in hearing aid sales in Maryland before settling back home and eventually purchasing his first Miracle Ear franchise in 1984.
With hard work, genuine customer service and determination, he along with his business partner, Al Shrive, grew a single store in 1984 into nearly 40 franchise locations, becoming the largest owner of Miracle Ear franchises in this region of the country. Acknowledging his success and achievement throughout his career, Tom was awarded by his peers with the prestigious Kenneth H. Dahlberg Award, annually awarded by Miracle Ear worldwide to a franchise owner who upholds the values of leadership, kindness and integrity. Perhaps his greatest achievement however was “retiring” in 2010 and watching the business continue to thrive in the hands of his sons, Shawn and Shane.
After moving to Thompson years ago, between working on his property to hunting at his cabin Tom certainly loved the country life. Throughout his life, and his career, Tom was able to make countless friends who grew into an extended family. Touching the lives of many, his legacy will long live on.
He is survived by his loving family, including his sons, Shawn McNamara and wife, Michele; and Shane McNamara and Danielle Kincel, all of Moosic; his sister, Sharon Stanvitch, of Scranton; his granddaughter, Nora Kate McNamara; former daughter-in-law, Erin McNamara; and many nieces, nephews. He is also survived by his extended Miracle-Ear family, including his dear friend and colleague, Rick Frasier.
His family would like to acknowledge and thank the staffs of both Linwood Nursing Center and Hospice of the Sacred Heart for the tremendous care taken of Tom.
Tom’s work family evolved into an extended family, creating lasting generational relationships throughout the decades. From Jimmy Sullenberger to Nancy and Paul “Skip”Carpenter, all who Tom considered like his children, to countless others, the impact these people had on Tom’s life was immeasurable and never forgotten.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson St. in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox, pastor. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s name to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, c/o 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Twp., PA 18411.
Arrangements are under the care of the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home Inc., 517 N. Main St., Old Forge.