Thomas Patrick Harrold

Fithian - Thomas Patrick Harrold, 100, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2017 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL He was born March 24, 1916 in Greencastle IN to James Joseph and Blanche Pearl (Sweet) Harrold. Thomas married Norma Claire Bryant of Greencastle on November 15, 1940. Thomas is survived by his daughter Rebecca Harrold-Kuchefski; grandson Thomas Kuchefski, GA; granddaughters Sally (Michael) Kuchefski-Adams, OH, and Laurie (Mark) Hamilton, FL; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, friends, and special friend Dennis Thomas Gaudio. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife; daughter Kathleen; great-granddaughter Lauren Nichole Kuchefski; devoted son-in-law Frank Joseph Kuchefski; 2 brothers; and 1 sister. Thomas attended Purdue University where he boxed, played football and majored in Forestry Science. Post college he hired on the American Railway System in 1939 shoveling coal for the Cairo Division. During the war he was promoted to Engineer for both freight and hospital passenger trains. He Engineered for the New York Central, the Indiana Beltline, the P & E, and Amtrak until his retirement. He began his work in the American Forestry Program before his Railway retirement, operating a tree farm and hand planted over 26,000 seedlings. He was awarded "Tree Farmer of The Year" in 1991 after completing Forest Management of the Minnesota and American Forestry Association and spending countless years and hours contributing to sustainable forestry management and labor. Mr. Harrold was a devoted environmentalist, a master gardener, a humanitarian, and spent his entire life deep seeded in his faith to our Lord. Memorial contributions may be made in Thomas's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, Maryknoll Lay Missioners, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please join Thomas's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.