Obituary of E. Thomas Carr Jr.

E. Thomas Carr Jr., age 87 of Westchester formerly of Lafayette Hill and Manayunk died Friday (1/17) in the Pocopson Home in Westchester. He was a Self Employed Bowling Equipment Specialist Mr. Carr Jr. was born in Phila., PA, the son of the late Elwood and the late Regina Kelly Carr. Husband of the late Terese (Rabbitt) Carr who passed in 2009. He is survived by one daughter: Terry Bonenberger (Calvin ) of West Grove, PA one son: Thomas C. Carr (Rosanne) of Wall, NJ one brother: Donald Carr of Delaware 2 grandchildren-Sarah Rose and Thomas Anthony Carr, Tom Loved to raise chickens as a small boy and parked cars for a local car dealer when the automobiles were first available for public sale. He Worked in his father's home painting business for many years prior to being drafted by the Army in 1944 at 18 years old. Originally stationed in Camp Landing Florida, South of Jacksonville, Toms training included operating and using heavy weapons, machine guns, bazookas and artillery apparatus. Tom was shipped overseas through the English Channel Scotland where he ended up at the Battle of the bulge as part of a replacement unit to replace the heavy casualties taking place in Germany. Although never really speaking about the atrocities of the concentration camps, the images that he saw stuck with him the rest of his life. Upon conclusion of the war Tom was sent to Rheims, France and was there when the Paris Peace treaty was signed essentially ending World War II. Promoted to sergeant at this time, Tom worked in a unit charged with disposing of the enormous amounts of equipment left in Europe after the war. Like all families during the war, Tom's parents struggled to make ends meet. Tom's mother would buy cartons of cigarettes in the states and ship them over to Tom who would sell them to the German prisoners who loved American made cigarettes. Tom would send the money home to his parents to help with their needs. At 22 years of age, Tom earned enough points to go home and boarded the Wilson Victory Ship headed for NY City. He often spoke of his memory of saluting the statue of liberty as an 18 year old shipping off to war and his excitement of seeing her upon his return. Upon his return he helped his father with his painting business. He also took a job with the Bud Manufacturing Company in Philadelphia and later was a special assistant to the Philadelphia Police Department where he was a driver for one of the Chief detectives. He later took a job with the Brunswick Company in Philadelphia where he specialized in the construction and installation of furniture and pool tables, and later became a specialized technician in their bowling equipment division, specializing in the installation and repair of automatic pinsetters and the resurfacing and repairs of alleys. While at the company he received several letters of recognition for outstanding service with the company. After many years with Brunswick, Tom started his own specialized bowling equipment repair business in 1964, finally closing the business in 2007 after 44 years and at the age of 80. Tom's expertise in this field was well known with clients all through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Tom is credited with inventing a guidance system that allowed blind children to enjoy the sport of bowling at the Philadelphia School for the blind. Tom maintained many of his original clients over the 40+ years due, not only in part to his specialized skills, but the relationships that he built with his clients. Always making it a point to have a cup of coffee, share a quick bite to eat and wonderful conversation. Despite working many long hours and the high demands of travel, Tom was devoted to his family and placed their care and happiness as his number 1 priority. Tom made sure his children knew that they were loved and worked very hard to provide for them. In retirement, Tom lived in Jennersville Pa and loved to be with friends, family and loved to talk. Often striking up a conversation with anyone with in ear shot. He was affectionately referred to as the "Mayor of McDonalds", making his way around the tables to stop and chat with friends that he had made. Tom's true passion was dancing and he was quite the ladies' man on the dance floor. As others sat to take a break, he would sweep a partner up from her chair and send her swooning around the dance floor like Fred Astaire. Tom was a proud father, grandfather, friend and survivor of cancer Friends may call Monday 1/20/2014 from 9-11AM at Lownes Funeral Home, 659 Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA.. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Burial will be in the Westminster Cemetery, Balacynwyd. Contributions may be made to The Pocopson Home 1695 Lenape Rd. Westchester,Pa. 19382 .