In loving memory of

Thomas J. Vare
July 19, 1963 - April 16, 2015

Thomas J. Vare, 51 of Collegeville, PA, died unexpectedly at home on April 16, 2015 Born in Abington, PA, on July 19, 1963, the son of William D. Vare of King of Prussia, PA and Eleanor Eason of Ocean City, NJ. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill in 1990. In addition to his parents, Thomas is survived by his sisters Mary E. Vare of Perkasie, PA and Carol Vare of Weaverville, NC, and his nieces and nephews; Sophia Vare, Mischa and Eli Cowan, Jude Wasson, and Alisha Vare.

Tom was graduated from Upper Dublin High School in 1981. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force serving in California and Germany. In 1985, he returned to S.E. Pennsylvania and worked for his father at Wislawn Auto Parts, the family business.

Since his true love in life was music and the Beatles, he soon tired of selling auto parts. So with his father's blessing, he matriculated to the Hollywood School of Music in California, where over the next two years he honed his skill with the guitar. He became a better than average professional guitarist, but as he explained to his father at that time, "'I'm good, but some of my classmates are great.' 'If I want to have a career in music, it will have to be in sales." In 1990, he went to work for Delean Music in Culver City, California to learn the business end of music. He was member of "The 13th Floor Band." He enjoyed the camaraderie and family feeling of belonging to a group.

In 1992, he came up with a business plan to open a family music store in Westlake Village, California. With financial backing from both of his a parents, Musicians' Depot became a reality. Experts in the field said that Westlake Village could not support a music store, but this did not dissuade Tom. He felt that affluent Californians, if properly promoted, would do anything for their kids, and he was right. Soon musical instruments, sheet music and lesson books were flying off the shelves of Musicians' Depot. Upwards of 150 lessons per week filled the lesson booths. Musicians' Depot had become the paradigm for a successful music store in California, but Tom missed his family. After 12 years, Tom decided to sell his business and home and move back to Pennsylvania and his family.

Tom bought a home in Collegeville in 2008. He gave a new dimension of meaning to the term 'early retirement'. He was a voracious reader, enjoyed weekends at the shore with his mother running on the beach with his beloved dog, Millie, riding his Harley and playing his guitar. He was always generous with his sisters and his niece Alisha underwriting many vacation trips

Relative and Friends are invite to call on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Holy Martyrs Church at Ulmer Ave and Allison Rd in Oreland, PA. His Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM with Rev. Michael J. Ryan, Pastor and Celebrant. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Cheltenham.

Remembrances in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 www.StJude.org would be appreciated by the family.

Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Mark tortolani wrote on May 7, 2019:

"I served with Tom. at Castle AFB back in 1982. We had some fun back then Gping to LA Singing the Doors mark tortolani"

Judy Marasco wrote on Jul 4, 2018:

"Today is July 4, 2018. For some reason Carol?s name popped into my head and I found her via Google, which led me to this sad news. I have vivid memories of long days spent playing games, sports, ?free all,? and more on Wenner Way. It was a magical era on a great street with kids who got along. I?m sorry to hear about not only Tommy?s passing but of Bill?s too. Much love to you all from Judy Marasco and all of the Marasco?s."

Steve West wrote on Nov 23, 2016:

"RIP Tom, it is now November 23,2016 and read about you yesterday. I remember when you left Wislawn for California. Reading yesterday brought tears to my eyes.God bless you Tom!"

Coates Family wrote on Apr 24, 2015:

"Our family has all of you in our prayers. We have wonderful memories from "Wenner Way" which we will always treasure. "

Mike Melnyk wrote on Apr 22, 2015:

"My sympathies are extended to Bill and the entire family. I remember Tom when I worked at Wislawn Auto Parts. So sorry to all of you for your loss. Sincerely, Mike Melnyk East Norriton PA"

Bill Baehrle wrote on Apr 21, 2015:

"Uncle Bill, Leah, Aunt Eleanor, Mary Ellen and Carol, No words can even express the sadness we feel for all of you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, Much love, Bill, Judy, Alyson & Katelyn Baehrle"

Jim McCaffrey wrote on Apr 21, 2015:

"May Tom RIP. Bill I have no words that would remove your pain just know that I'm there if I could help in any way. You are in my prayers and thoughts. God Bless, your friend Jim "

Paul Knox wrote on Apr 20, 2015:

"I remember Tommy Vare as a "little kid" running and biking around the Wenner Way hood as us older kids (including Bill and Carol) messed around its our own brand of fun. As was a family visitor for a certain era, I saw him sharing the family spirit and humor, even as Bill harassed him. Carol - my love to you and your parents in this sad time."

Christopher Barclay wrote on Apr 20, 2015:

"My heart is saddend by the loss of one of first childhood Friends. Tommy and I, along with and all the Wenner Way kids would play sports and games from sun up to sundown. It was truly a family neighborhood and Tommy was a big part of it. Although we hadn't reconnected until recently, your friendship and kind spirit will remain with me forever. Rest in Peace my friend. -Christopher Barclay. "

Debora Morrow wrote on Apr 20, 2015:

"Carol, So sorry to hear of the loss of your brother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers."

Colleen Mullen wrote on Apr 19, 2015:

"I remember Tom being in from California and there was Tom, My self and another person sitting around the pool at Leaside Farm in Bucks County Pa playing the guitar together. Great Day that was ."

Sheila Clark wrote on Apr 19, 2015:

"So sorry to hear of your loss Mary. You are in my prayers."

Kathy Brazil wrote on Apr 19, 2015:

"So sorry to hear about this sad news. Tommy was a great guy. Hard to believe that he's gone. We'll miss him."

Jill Stowe wrote on Apr 19, 2015:

"Thinking of you all. I'm so sorry. "

Mary Vare wrote on Apr 18, 2015:

"My heartfelt sympathy to my parents and sister Carol. My heart is broken."

jack & joan hubbert wrote on Apr 18, 2015:

"How sad and sorry we are to hear about Tommy. It is indeed a shock. Outliving our children is the worst thing that we can imagine and you have had it too often. So So Sorry, jack & joan hubbert"

Carol and Lou Stern wrote on Apr 18, 2015:

"How very sad to lose a child at any age. Our heartfelt condolences to Bill and Leah. Love, Carol and Lou Stern"

Debbie Stein wrote on Apr 18, 2015:

"My deepest sympathy. "