Thomas A. Yocum, CRNA, MSN

  Thomas Allan Yocum, CRNA, MSN, 53, of North Abington Twp., died Tuesday at home. He was the husband of Patricia Gaffney Yocum. The couple have been married for 26 years.
   Born March 20, 1970, in Old Forge, he was the son of the late Thomas Albert and Julie (Scavo) Yocum. A 1988 graduate of Old Forge high school, where he excelled in academics and sports, having been part of the champion football team. He received his Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Scranton, having earned his Master of Science degree in nursing with honors from Wilkes University becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Having more than 31 years of diverse experiences, his colleagues held him in the highest regards for his professional excellence and compassionate care. He was affiliated with Lehigh Valley Heath Network  Dickson City and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
   His true love was his family; his loving wife was his best friend, he cherished his sons, and had a fond loving relationship with his sister. He lived life to its fullest, racing his sports cars, fishing with his friends, a most dedicated Steelers and Penguins fan. He had an extended family with his love for animals. He enjoyed his dogs and raising chickens.
Tom lived and enjoyed life by medically serving others, caring for animals, enjoying the outdoors, cooking and baking and adoring his family. His gentle smile will be sadly missed.
   Also surviving are two sons, Thomas Alexander Yocum, Bethlehem; and Jonathan Ross Yocum, BSN, RN, Hershey; a sister, Jamie Yocum, Tallahassee, Fla.
   A blessing service by the Rev. John Lapera, pastor, Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green, will be held Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at of the Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. The family will receive relatives and guests from noon to 1:15 p.m.
   Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. For directions or to leave an online condolence, visit the funeral home website.