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Thomas “Tom” Milton Strawn passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 5, 2024 at his home in Franklin, MA. He was the beloved husband of Michelle Konopka Strawn for 54 years. Born June 27, 1948 in Easton, PA, he was the son of Marie Wilmont Strawn deceased and Milton Strawn, Jr. deceased.
Tom was raised in Wilson Borough, PA where he developed his love for baseball. Tom “Strawnie” was a standout Varsity and Legion baseball pitcher. He was a graduate of Wilson Area High School.
Tom proudly served in the United States Marine Corp as a Corporal before continuing his higher education. He had an under Graduate Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration/Human Resources from Rider University. Early in his career Tom held numerous HR Positions at Hospitals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Later in his career he was a Regional HR Director at Hewlett Packard at Valley Forge, PA and one of the VP’s at Fidelity Investments in Boston, MA. A career highlight for Tom was serving on the international MIT Task Force where he became a published author with MIT Press.
For the past 10 years Tom was an on line Academic Advisor for Undergraduate and Master Degree students at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island.
On the weekends Tom could be found on the athletic fields where he and his wife would enjoy watching and cheering on their grandchildren over the years.
He enjoyed New England and its history and especially his time visiting and vacations at Kennebunkport and Welles Beach, Maine, also the Cape and the Islands and Newport, Rhode Island.
A longtime resident of Franklin, MA, Tom is survived by his wife Michelle Strawn and two daughters.
Daughter Margaux Curtis and her spouse Julie Curtis of Ohio. Gabrielle Simarrian and her husband Glen Simarrian of Plainville, MA. Three grandchildren: Gavin and Giana Simarrian and Deane Curtis.
He is survived by his brother Steve Strawn of Georgia, Stephanie Skerchock (sister-in-law) and John Skerchock (husband) of Pennsylvania. Stephen Konopka (brother-in-law) and Terry Konopka (wife) of Pennsylvania along with his nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his brother Dennis Strawn.
The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time.
Private services are planned and a Celebration of Life.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home in Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
