Thomas "Cubbie" Michael Chervanick

Throughout literature, the most relatable hero in any story is the everyman. They cannot leap the tallest building nor run faster than a speeding bullet; but rather, they are marked by endearing selflessness, a strong moral compass, and an unspoken familiarity that brings people together. Thomas Michael "Cubbie" Chervanick, 68, was the everyman for the Chervanick family. On October 20th, 2021, Cubbie passed away unexpectedly while doing what he did best – helping out a friend.

Cubbie's story began in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, where he was the son of the late Michael and Tessie (Wisloski) Chervanick. After a childhood filled with fun and mischief, he was thrust into being the man of the house at the age of 15 after his father passed away. Without hesitation, he understood and accepted his new responsibility. Cubbie graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School in 1970, and quickly furthered his education with advanced courses at Williamsport Area Community College and Penn State University. Before long, he was an IBEW, Local 607 master electrician and instructor of apprentices. It was during this time that he developed his very thorough work ethic and thought process that became his calling card. While just beginning his early professional career, he also served honorably in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard with the 2d Bn 109th Infantry attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant and awarded the Pennsylvania Service Ribbon and the General Thomas J. Steward Medal.

The most pivotal life event that happened during this period of his life was marrying his beautiful high school sweetheart, Cathy (Bach) Chervanick. Behind any hero, even the everyman, is a strong woman. There is no doubt that Cubbie would proudly proclaim that Cathy helped him become the best version of himself. Shortly after high school, those two lovebirds got married and started what would be forty-eight years of a beautiful marriage.

Not long after getting married, Cubbie recognized what was required of him as he was about to start a family and support three legendary children and a wife. He took his prior experience and aptly moved into the field of electrical engineering. He spent twenty-four years of his career working for STV Construction, Inc. as Vice President of Construction Management. He followed that with being named Vice President at Horst Construction and then Chief Operations Officer at Blatt & Myers, Inc. He then went on to become the Manager of Construction Services for Borton-Lawson Engineering and Architecture. His long career ended back at Blatt and Myers before he retired three years ago. His electrical and construction management skills took him on impressive projects all over the world from Africa, to Europe, and all over the United States.

After Tom married Cathy, he was welcomed into the Bach family with open arms, and he quickly became the go-to guy for any advice whether it was a simple household maintenance item or being a consultant on power distribution engineering at the Philadelphia Mint. He was always willing to help, and everyone knew that if you asked him a question, he would give you a lecture on the how and why. Since he came from the school of hard knocks, he was a fervent believer in teaching someone how to fish rather than just giving them the fish.

Through all the jobs, the titles that mattered most to him were faithful husband, Dad, friend, and lastly, Chief Grandfather Coach. Cubbie loved to tell stories with just some subtle exaggeration. Often, his stories were about his kids and grandkids. When he spoke of them, his eyes twinkled and he spoke with pride when he shared their academic, athletic, and career accomplishments. His weekends were filled during the kids' college years watching Mike on the Pitt Football Team, Dan on the Notre Dame Football Team and Marie playing at Lehigh and Notre Dame. He was always there to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and a backbone to lean on for strength. He was the everyman hero that the Chervanick family needed and will forever miss.

Cubbie is survived by his loving wife Cathy (Bach) Chervanick; sons Michael James, husband of Terri (Leofsky) Chervanick of Reading, Daniel Thomas, husband of Juliana (Fisher) Chervanick of Houston, TX, and daughter, Marie Christine Chervanick Flatley, wife of Keith Flatley, Seattle, WA; his nine beloved grandchildren: Cassidy, Cole, Colton, Mason, Penelope, Nora, Tessa, Taggart, and Rose. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Mattison, widow of John Mattison of West Brookfield, MA. Tom was a beloved brother-in-law and uncle to his very large extended family.

He was a long-time member of St. Ignatius Loyola Roman Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 29, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 2600 St. Albans Dr., Reading, PA 19609; a visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be private at All Saints Cemetery, Elysburg, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School, 701 Franklin St, West Reading, PA 19611. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home Inc, West Reading is honored to assist the Chervanick family. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.