Thomas Hacon

AUSTINTOWN - Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, for Thomas J. Hacon, who passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.
One of four children, he was born in S. Greensburg, Pa., to Steven Hacon and Anna Lusnak on May 30, 1923. He served as a medic in the Army Air Force in Guam and Japan during World War II.
He worked at the Walworth Co. in Greensburg, married his sweetheart, Theresa Baker in 1952, then moved to Lakewood, where he worked for the Jack and Heinz Co. He moved to Youngstown in 1956, where he worked for the American Machine and Foundry Co., Pinspotter Division, until his retirement in 1987.
Always active, he worked on call after retirement at various bowling establishments and taught his sons his mechanical skills. He enjoyed music, especially polkas, Mitch Miller and Big Band music. He loved trains and steam engines and constructed replicas of steam engines, which he displayed at the Canfield Fair. He made popcorn to demonstrate their use, became known as the "Popcorn Man," and continued to display his homemade engines at the fair for 30 years.
He leaves his loving wife of 63 years, Theresa; his daughter, Judy (Fred); and sons Thomas (Jeanne), John (Jill), and Terry (Katherine); nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by son, Steven; his brother and sisters; and a great-granddaughter, Theresa Hope.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital in Memphis.
Family and friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m.
The family wishes to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth, especially Dr. Glenn Novak, for the exceptional care and concern in the care of Tom. "We are so grateful for your compassion."
Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences.