Thomas Ball

Thomas Ball, a loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Philadelphia on February 18th, 2026. Tom was born May 1st, 1948 in Shenandoah, PA to the late Joseph and Mary (nee Thomas). He is survived by his wife Kathleen (nee Dziadosz) of 39 years (even though they were together for 50 years – those who knew him would agree Tom liked to take his time with big decisions!) and three daughters Colleen McLaughlin, Shannon McLaughlin and Lauren Ball, and one amazing grandson Teddy. 

Tom was extremely proud of representing his country in the US Army, stationed in Okinawa. Some of the kids fondest memories of him were telling outlandish stories of playing for the Dallas Cowboys as quarterback (even though he was diehard Eagles fan), jumping out of helicopters “just like the Army Rangers” (even though he was afraid of heights) and teaching his daughters the fine art of making the perfect Screwdriver, calling in bets to Keystone on horse racing, and what a “vig” was in betting. 

He loved the Eagles and Phillies, would always ask how your car was running, and to make sure we always had at least a quarter of a tank of gas. Tom and Kathie had a trailer for over 15 years at Holiday Haven Campground where they had so many happy memories and had an amazing place for Lauren to run around. 

Intermittent will be private. In lieu of cards, flowers or other gifts of sympathy, the family asks for donations in Tom's name be made to the Delaware Valley Veterans Home.