Thomas Nelson Harnish, “Tom”, 84, of Lititz, peacefully entered into Heaven on June 13, 2014. He was born March 10, 1930 in Lancaster, Pa, as the baby brother of 15 siblings.

He is survived by two sisters Irene Schmuckle and Josie Kuhn, and his brother Ned Harnish. At the age of 14, following the death of his parents, Tom attended the Masonic Patton School for Boys in Elizabethtown, Pa, where he found his gift for carpentry. He was the husband of Doris “Neudorff” Harnish for 62 years, and the father of Jeffrey M. Harnish (Karen Harnish) of Lititz and Kim Gallagher of West Chester, Pa. Tom was loving grandfather of Jared Harnish of Elizabethtown, Eric Norrbom of Princeton NJ, and Kala Denlinger of Mt Joy. Tom was the proud great grandfather of Sybl, Robbie, Carter, Olivia, Amy, and Jase.

Tom Retired from Warfel Construction Company after 38 years as a project manager. Tom enjoyed hosting parties for his friends and family, hunting, fishing, quoits, golf, and telling stories. Later in life he enjoyed tormenting the residents and staff of Luther Acres Nursing Home, where he became the 2013 apple pie baking contest champion. Tom was a Master Mason of the blue lodge 476, and had recently received his 50 year pin. Tom proudly served his country during the Korean War with the US Navy.

Tom’s family expresses their sincere appreciation for the loving care given by the staff of Luther Acres, as well as the additional support offered by Gentiva Hospice in his final days.

Services will be held Friday, June 20, 2014, in the Chapel at Luther Acres Towne Center, 600 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543. Tom’s family will receive friends from 12 to 12:30 PM, followed by Masonic services accorded by Lamberton Lodge #476 F.&A.M. and the funeral with Rev. David Kreider and Chaplain Walt Cleckley officiating beginning at 12:30 PM. Entombment with Military Honors will be in Conestoga Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster, 213 West Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603-3519.