Thomas G. Vincent

Thomas G. Vincent, a lifelong resident of Springfield Township, passed away at home in Oreland on July 2, 2024. He was a devoted and loving family man.

Born on October 1, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Thomas and Lily (née Manns) Vincent, Tom was a 1949 graduate of Springfield Township High School. He was the first in his family to attend and graduate college – the Drexel Institute of Technology – earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of the Alpha Pi Lambda Fraternity.

Tom’s work Co-Op Experience while at Drexel, opened opportunities as test engineer at Minneapolis-Honeywell and Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania. While at Drexel, he also enrolled in Drexel’s Army ROTC program. Tom went on to serve with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, achieving the rank of Captain; he received his Honorable Discharge in 1966.

Following graduation from Drexel, Tom remained with the Bell System, and began his professional career as Project Engineer working on automated switching and broadband voice/data systems. As he advanced through the ranks, Tom was instrumental in the development of Fiber Optic technology at Bell Labs – known today as FiOS. Later in his career, Tom’s knowledge and past experiences were critical to divestiture of the Bell System; he was deeply involved with asset designation to AT&T, as well as, the newly established Regional Bell companies. Tom remained with AT&T in an oversight capacity until retirement in 1990.

While retaining this strong work ethic, Tom balanced his career and personal lives. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time up the Poconos and at the beach. Tom was often busy tinkering in his own backyard and basement; mentoring family members. He was a life-long, “Phanatic” Phillies fan.

Tom was a founding member, and past president of Springfield Township High School Alumni Association. He was also a past member of both St. Paul’s R.E. Church in Oreland, PA and Central Schwenkfelder Church in Lansdale, PA. He was a longtime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Karen (Jeffery) Bowers, son Scott (Jenn) Vincent; five grandchildren Kim (Richard), Kevin (Jamie), Sarah (Andrew), Matt and Tim; six great-grandchildren; sister, Netty Landis and brother, Bill Vincent.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillian (née Dotts) and sister Martha Ness.

A memorial service is planned for Monday, August 12, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Heritage Chapel of George Washington Memorial Park located at 80 Stenton Ave., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. The Family will receive guests in the chapel from 10:00 am until the start of the service. Interment will follow at the cemetery grounds. The Family plans a casual lunch afterward – a Celebration of Life – at the Vincent Homestead.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to the Scholarship Fund of Springfield Township High School Alumni Association. Checks may be made payable to: STHSAA w/’Tom Vincent’ in the Memo Space; and mail to: STHSAA, 1901 Paper Mill Rd, Oreland, PA 19075.

 Arrangements by Shaeff-Myers Funeral Home of Ambler, PA 19002.