Thomas Lingelbach, age 80, of Raynham, MA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 21, 2020. He ended this life in the embrace of his loving wife Deborah Dower, whom he adored. Tom was born in Atlantic City, son of the late Lucille (Winchester) and Louis Lingelbach. He was raised and educated in New Jersey. Mr. Lingelbach graduated from St. Mary’s College and earned his Masters Degree from Lesley College. He was a teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School in Mattapoisett until his retirement in 2005.
Anyone who knew Tom recognized his kindness, intelligence and passion for righteousness. He never stopped reading, writing and pursuing a deeper understanding of humankind. Tom was the epitome of a gentle man who passionately loved his family.
In addition to his wife Debbie, Thomas is survived by his daughters Lisa Hankerson of Fall River, Kristen Dower and Keith Bassett of West Bridgewater, Nancy Lingelbach and her husband Paul Stefanik of Taunton, and Rebecca Sheridan and her husband Neil of New Bedford. Tom was the brother of Daniel Lingelbach and his wife Bette of Delaware and the late Lucille and Louis Jennis. He was the endearing PopPop to 12 grandchildren Theo, Thaddeus, and Benjamin Hankerson, Zoe Stefanik, Dylan Bagley, Teagan, Brielle, Christian, and Delaney Bassett, Cassie Dicker, and Curt and Caleigh Sheridan.
Visiting hours will be held at the East Bridgewater location of Prophett-Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 35 Spring Street on Friday, February 28th from 5-8 pm.
A funeral service will be held at The First Congregational Church (The Stone Church), 785 South Main Street, Raynham, MA, on Saturday, February 29th, at 11:00 am.
Burial at the Pleasant Street Cemetery in Raynham will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Tom’s memory with a donation to The First Congregational Church Memorial Fund, 785 South Main Street, Raynham, MA 02767 or Doctors Without Borders, www.donate.doctorswithoutborders
This man hosted our weekly Sci-Fi club meetings and was someone who had a profound affect on me. Where teachers, like Hone and Cameron, were mostly jerks this man’s kindness and perception in life helped to temper my anger and my dissent into troubled waters. Without him and people like him, I never would’ve gotten out. My only regret now is that I never made an opportunity to tell him so.