Thomas Claude Petry, 82, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully in his home on Feb. 13, 2025.
Born on Sept. 25, 1942, in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Thomas was the son of Stella Mary Plasterer and Joseph Conrad Petry. He was a graduate of Elizabethtown College, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration.
During his university years, Thomas was an accomplished artist and painter, which fostered a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Throughout his life, he was an avid art collector, with a particular fondness for local artwork from the Lebanon and Mount Gretna area. He also had a passion for camera collecting. His appreciation for art and photography reflected his deep connection to his community and its cultural heritage.
Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Turkey during his service. While there, he was involved in military intelligence operations, specializing in data gathering using pioneering computing technology for its time.
Thomas built a successful career in finance and was a dedicated entrepreneur. He was a respected local business owner and a former owner/manager of Brandt’s Moving and Storage. Prior to his entrepreneurial endeavors, he worked at Cleaver-Books in Lebanon.
Thomas was an active member of several local organizations, including the Lebanon Steitz Club, the Navy Club, and the Mount Gretna Volunteer Fire Department, where he dedicated his time and efforts to serving others.
Thomas was formerly married to Jean Healy and Megan Petry and is survived by his loving children: daughter, Emily Ruth Petry, and son, Thomas Scollay Petry.
Thomas is survived by his sisters, Joyce Elizabeth Carpenter, Rosemary Sanders, and Kathleen Marie Keller. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Petry; and sister, Christine Ann Fox.
Thomas will be remembered for his dedication to his community, his passion for local art, and his service to his country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Thomas was interred at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with military honors on July 14, 2025, followed by a celebration of life at Harper’s Tavern.
