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Thomas C. "Tom" Lynam, 97, Hollidaysburg, formerly of Altoona, passed away Wednesday at Hollidaysburg Veterans Home, Duncansville. His suffering was brief, but no less heartbreaking for his family and those who loved him.
He was born in Altoona, son of the late Nicholas E. and Helen C. (Hite) Lynam. On April 30, 1949, he married Muriel F. Finnerty at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, with Bishop Richard T. Guilfoyle celebrant. Muriel preceded him in death on March 18, 2004, and Tom passionately cared for her during her long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Surviving are five children: Patricia May Beach and Michael James (Linda) Lynam, both of Altoona, David J. (Becky) Lynam of Dauphin, Daniel J. (Charlene) Lynam of North Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Mark W. (Michelle) Lynam of Altoona; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three sons: Timothy, Christopher and Peter; two daughters: Jane and Margaret Mary Lynam; two grandchildren: Brittany and Gregory Lynam; a great-granddaughter, Scarlett Lynam; a sister, Helene Harmon; and two brothers: Nicholas Lynam and Robert Rente.
Tom was a 1940 graduate of Altoona High School. He served in the U.S. Army as a corporal during WWII, and received the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal.
Tom initially worked for the Altoona Tribune Newspaper and taught photography at Altoona Vocational Technical School from 1980-92. He retired in 1992 as a self-employed photographer at Tom Lynam Photography, Altoona. He was a well known photographer, documenting the people, places and events of Altoona for many years. He worked for 60 years in the photography profession.
He was member of Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, where he served as an usher. Tom was also a member of the Altoona Photo Society.
Tom had a limitless interest in news and current events. His interests were photography, ocean beaches and collecting historical information of the city of Altoona.
Friends will be received from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at Jones Funeral Home, Altoona, where a vigil for the deceased will be held during the visitation. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona, Monsignor Robert C. Mazur celebrant. Committal rites with military honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery.
In memory of Tom Lynam, please make contributions to Alzheimer's Association, 3544 N. Progress Ave. Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9638.
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