The Rev. Dr. Thomas Edward Kadel of Harleysville

JULY 24, 2018

The Reverend Dr. Thomas Edward Kadel, age 70, of Harleysville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2018 after a courageous nine month struggle with Glioblastoma.

Tom was accompanied on his final life journey by his beloved wife, Lois Taylor Kadel and his precious step children Robert James Harrington Jr. (Erin Gentzel Harrington), Elizabeth Grace Hedrick (Benjamin Thomas Hedrick, Sr.), Christina Elaine Tybring (Robert Crawford Tybring) and his cherished grandchildren Benjamin Thomas Hedrick, Jr., Josiah Adam Hedrick, Lily Grace Hedrick, Jude Winfield Harrington and Taylor Cash Harrington.

Tom is survived by his dear sisters Susan Kadel and Cathy Kadel Crusey (John) and niece Jen Mcreight (Christopher) and nephew Khouri Carnes (Christina) and great nieces and nephew Linden Mcreight, Kynleigh and Khaden Carnes, his dear sister-in-law Barbara Taylor Hilferty (Daniel) and nieces Kate Panzeter (Edward), Casey Hilferty Miller (Kevin) and great niece and nephew Emma and Edward Panzeter.

Tom was a member of the clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America serving parishes at Peace Lutheran Church, Kensington; Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, Ambler; and Christ Lutheran Church, Kulpsville.

Tom served as co-director of the Keystone Disaster Spiritual Care Network. He was a Spiritual Care Team Member and instructor for the American Red Cross, Supervisor of the Spiritual Partners Service of Eastern Pennsylvania, and a responder and instructor for the Keystone Crisis Intervention Team.

Tom was a lifetime member of the Harleysville Volunteer Fire Company where he served as Chaplain for the past 25 years. Tom was an advocate for the poor in 17 nations, in the Caribbean and Latin America through Food for the Poor.

Tom was also an author. His most recent book, “Keeping the Book Open,” was published last June 2017.

A memorial service to celebrate Tom’s life and ministry will be held Saturday August 18, 2018 at Christ’s Lutheran Church in Oreland, 700 Pennsylvania Ave., Oreland, PA. There will be no graveside services according to Tom’s wish to donate his body for scientific research.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Food for the Poor or to your local emergency responders or disaster care organization. Food For the Poor 6401 Lyons Road Coconut Creek, FL 33073.