Thomas Leonard Holmbeck

Holmbeck, Thomas Leonard “Tom”

Following a long illness, Thomas L. Holmbeck, 87, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, in his home in Exton, PA, surrounded by his family.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on July 5, 1938, Tom spent his childhood in St. Paul where he attended school until serving his country upon high school graduation. After serving in the U.S. Army and earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Minnesota, Tom met his future wife, Patricia “Patty” Skelly of Media, PA.

Married for almost 60 years, Tom and Patty settled in Chester County, PA, where they raised their five children and made family the center of their lives. Whether attending a sporting event, a graduation, or hosting a gathering, Tom was happiest when surrounded by his family.

Tom loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking the family camping and skiing. He shared his love of tennis, running, and biking with his children. Many summer days were spent sailing and swimming at the Jersey Shore while winter was reserved for ski trips in the Poconos, Vermont and Colorado. Tom and Patty loved to entertain family and friends with Tom serving as chef at the grill. For greater adventure, with Tom at the helm the whole family once navigated the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Tom started his professional career at P & H Crane. After leaving P&H Crane, Tom entered the construction industry serving as President of Skelly Construction in Media PA. Here he embraced his entrepreneurial spirit where throughout his career, he would create and operate companies located in the Delaware Valley, specializing in utility construction, heavy equipment rental, and environmental remediation. Notable projects include the foundation for Limerick Power Plant and the first section of the “Blue Route,” Interstate 476 into Philadelphia.

Tom’s faith served as a foundation for his life. Driven by intellectual curiosity and a yearning for a meaningful spiritual existence, he read everything he could find on the religions of the world while serving in the army. He grew up as a Lutheran but felt called to convert to Catholicism after academic investigation and many conversations with a dear friend and devoted Catholic. This conversion was timely, as Tom’s wife Patty came from a steadfast Catholic family, and his commitment to Catholicism established the groundwork for a shared faith that influenced many aspects of their lives together. Tom and Patty taught Sunday School at Saints Simon and Jude parish in Westtown, PA, and sent their children to Catholic schools. Prayer held great meaning for Tom.

Tom devoured books and delighted in learning about the nuances of history. He finished reading his last book just a few weeks before his death. He was always quick to tell stories of his fond memories of growing up in Minneapolis with his brothers Bill, Al, Robert, and sister Karen. He was particularly proud of his many grandchildren and was gifted with the art of telling a good joke.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother Esther Kale Holmbeck, his father Carl Willy Holmbeck, and his brothers Robert and William Holmbeck. He is survived by his wife Patricia Skelly Holmbeck; his children Skelly Holmbeck of Devon, PA; Thomas (Christine) E. Holmbeck of Moorestown, NJ; Kyle Holmbeck of Philadelphia; Lori Holmbeck of Astoria, NY; and Patricia (Francis) DeRuschi of Jupiter, FL; and eight grandchildren Rose and Paul Pelham, Katherine and Justin Holmbeck, Mikayla and Tristan Holmbeck, and Lenabella and Rigby DeRuschi.

A Memorial Mass for Tom will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel, 694 E Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA 19341, on Saturday, May 30th, at 10:45 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gaudenzia West Chester House through Gaudenzia.org or Philadelphia Center for Adapted Sports through an online donation or by texting PCAS to 53-555