Thomas R. Dabbs Sr.

Thomas R. Dabbs Sr, 81 of West Donegal Twp, Elizabethtown entered eternal rest at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday July 19, 2025. Born in Johnstown, Cambria County he was the son of the late James Levar and Anna Mary (McMullen) Dabbs. He is survived by his wife of 58 years and love of his life, Carol A. (Lancaster). His daughter, Suzanne C. Dabbs, and his son, Thomas R. Dabbs Jr. (Shannon Reed), of Elizabethtown. Three grandchildren, Collin R. Shifflett (Emily), Shawn D. Dabbs and Gabriella M. Dabbs, and four great-grandsons, Sawyer, Ryder, Carter, and Hunter Shifflett all of Elizabethtown. Also surviving is his older brother, James L. Dabbs (Vicki) of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland. His younger sister, Janis Ware (Mark) of Friedens, Somerset County and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Donald G. Dabbs Sr, and by his grandson, Thomas J. "Tommy" Dabbs. Tom was a 1962 graduate of Shade High School in Central City, Pennsylvania. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force where he served from 1963 - 1967 at Otis Air Force Base, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Olmsted Air Force Base, Middletown, Pennsylvania as Air Police. He attended the Electronic Computer Programming Institute where he completed IBM Data Processing and Computer Programming in 1968. Tom worked proudly at Capital Blue Cross for 36 years, he was the Manager of Computer Operations at the Shared Services Center prior to his retirement in 2004. An avid sports fan, and true to his western PA roots, he loved all things black and gold, cheering for the Pittsburgh Penquins, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He enjoyed spending time with his wife at Hollywood Casino, birthday trips to Shady Maple Smorgasbord and weekly lunches spent with his best friend of many years, Bill. Tom was also a frequent visitor to Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, as a veteran, attending memorial events was very important to him. His greatest love of all was his family, from providing words of wisdom about life experience with his children to sharing his infamous “Popism’s” with his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his dedication, honor, devotion, commitment and selflessness will be remembered always. Tom was a member of St. Luke Episcopal Church in Mount Joy and a lifetime member of Conewago Rod & Gun Club in Elizabethtown. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. At Tom's request, interment will be at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran's Administration online at https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/ or to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or online at www.HospiceCommunity.org/gift.

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Thomas R. Dabbs Sr.

May 25, 1944 - July 19, 2025