Thomas V. Ouly

Thomas “Tom” V. Ouly, a beloved Vietnam Veteran, community leader, and sports enthusiast, passed away on the night of February 27, 2024, at the Gino J. Merli Veterans Center in Scranton PA. He was 82 years old. Tom was a long-time employee of Western Union and then Kovatch Inc. in Nesquehoning as an Electronics Technician until his retirement in 2013. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley in Summit Hill, and was a former member of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Nesquehoning.  He was a 1959 graduate of the former Nesquehoning High School  and was well known for his basketball skills in high school and enjoyed all sports.  He was a former football coach for Nesquehoning Knee-Hi, Jim Thorpe and Panther Valley Schools. He was also an avid bowler and the manager of the former Lengyel’s softball team and was a member of the Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame.  Tom was a very involved in the Nesquehoning community and active in Nesquehoning Borough municipal affairs, serving on the Zoning Hearing Board.  Born in Coaldale, PA, in 1941, a son of the late James and Lillian (Marino) Ouly, he grew up with a passion for sports and a commitment to serving his country. After graduating from high school, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War, being honorably discharged as a SP5.  Tom was proud to call Nesquehoning his home and his front porch on Catawissa Street became a gathering place—a hub of community life. From that vantage point, he observed the ebb and flow of Nesquehoning, whether it was a friendly wave, a chat about local news, or a shared laugh. Tom’s devotion extended to his family.  He was a loving husband to Maureen (Ferro) Ouly, sharing 42 years of marriage before Maureen’s passing in 2012.  Together, they weathered life’s storms and celebrated its joys.  As we bid farewell to Tom, we honor his legacy—a life marked by service, camaraderie, and love. His memory will forever echo through the streets of Nesquehoning, where neighbors will recall the man who made them feel seen and valued.

Surviving is a Stepdaughter Jill Lentz of Philadelphia, granddaughters Amanda Tafel and husband Ian,  Taylor Carney and husband Michael,  great-grandchildren Dante, Elijah, Winrey , Morgan and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Grace Finney and Rose Richards; and Madeline Ouly and a brother, Joseph Ouly.  

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, March 4th with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at The Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux, One East Garibaldi Ave., Nesquehoning PA  18240.  Interment with Military Honors to be held immediately after at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Nesquehoning.  A calling hour for family and friends will be held on Monday morning from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Shrine.  Tom and the Family ask that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Veterans Motorcycle Program VETMOTO, 2212 Sepviva Street, Philadelphia PA 19125, https://vetmoto.org/support-vetmoto-donate. Online condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.nalesnikfh.com.  Services and arrangements have been placed in the care of the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home, 57 West Center St., Nesquehoning PA 18240

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