Thomas Richard Anderton of Causeway Drive, Franklin, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, June 28, 2014. He was 69.

Tom was born Dec. 10, 1944, in Greenville to Richard Francis Anderton and Norma Jean (Daisley). He was the oldest of nine children.

He graduated from the former St. Michael’s High School, Greenville, in 1962. He attended St. Vincent College on a baseball scholarship and graduated from Thiel College with a degree in business.

He was active duty from 1967 to 1970 as a member of the 82nd Airborne of the Army and served in Vietnam. His proudest honor was the commendation presented to him by his platoon for outstanding service as their platoon leader during his service in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as a captain after serving in the Reserves in Hermitage.

Tom was an independent thinker and lover of the outdoors, particularly enamored with fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed hunting for antiques.

He and his wife Nancy participated in Black Powder Mountain Men re-enactments and living history. He was a lifelong, avid student of history and a passionate amateur archeologist. He reveled in making large steak dinners for groups of friends and family at his camp in Oleopolis.

He absolutely adored his grandkids. He will be dearly, dearly missed.

He is survived by his beloved and caring wife, Nancy Ryba Anderton; their spunky German Drahthaar pup Gertie; and his children and grandchildren, Erica Thompson and her children Kayla and Cody Hawke, Franklin; Ryan Anderton and his wife Romney and their children Talan, Landry and Maizie, Sharon; Holly Anderton and her husband David Primm, Pittsburgh; and Thomas Anderton and Gene Anderton, both Franklin. Tom is also survived by eight younger brothers and sisters, and a plethora of nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents.

A private service will be held by Tom’s family at a later date. The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, his memory be honored by donations to Franklin Public Library, 421 Twelfth St, Franklin, PA 16323, and directed for the purchase of books.