Thomas C. Brink
April 9, 1950 ~ April 8, 2019
Born in: Oil City, Pennsylvania
Thomas C. Brink, 68, of Franklin, was welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior on April 8, 2019, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Tom passed from this world in the same manner in which he lived; fearless and trusting in God. Born on April 9, 1950, he was the son of the late Glenn H. Brink, Jr. and Alice M. (Heffern) Brink, who survives. Tom is also survived by a brother, Darry Brink, of Franklin. Tom was a 1968 graduate of Rocky Grove High School and a 1972 graduate of Clarion University where he studied business. Upon his graduation, Tom began working at Valley Grove School District where he served as Business Manager for 42 years before retiring in 2014. During his years at the Grove, he also served as the School Board Secretary and Food Service Manager. On January 8, 1972, Tom married the love of his life, Melanie A. Heckler, and began their 47 years of love and dedication. Together they built a home and raised three children, who survive: Nicole and Andrew Clements of Crofton, MD, Carrie and Brad Beightol of Franklin, and Wade and Justine Brink of Erie. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Bryce and Avery Beightol, Mackenzie and Patrick Clements, Bennett Brink and was proudly awaiting the arrival of his sixth grandchild in July.Tom was the rock of his family and a “Mr. Fix It” for all of life’s problems. Along with his mathematical gifts, God blessed him with strong, talented hands that could fix and build anything. He enjoyed woodworking and helping his children with home projects. Tom was an ice cream connoisseur and his hearty chuckle will be fondly remembered by those who had the pleasure of hearing it. He was a Civil War buff and enjoyed reading historical accounts of that era. In his leisure time, he liked to golf and fish. But the joy of his life was spending time with his family, and being “Papa” to his grandchildren. Tom’s life was a living example of God’s love. He served his church in several capacities over the years and participated in mission trips to Kentucky and Arizona. He was also involved with Youth for Christ and Life Building Ministries. Waiting for him in heaven were his dad, father-in-law, C. Derwood Heckler, brother-in-law, James Flick, and nephew, Timothy Brink. A private memorial will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Venango Youth for Christ, PO Box 27, Seneca PA 16346. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gardinier Funeral Home, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323. To send cards, online condolences, or for further information, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.
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For Melanie & your family & for the Brink family…
Please accept my sincerest sympathies for the loss of your loved one. Oh so many memories come
flooding in when we lose someone. I remember when you & Tom got married. We go back a long
ways. I remember the Brink family from Cooperstown when I was growing up (I believe we are related somehow). I remember how I loved listening to your Mom play the piano Melanie & the fun we all used to have when you “kids” & my “kids”were growing up. My love to Gerald, Harold, Elaine & your Mom. Warm hugs ‘n prayers for you dear.
Love from
Mary Kay (Johnson)(McDaniel)Brown
So sorry for the loss. We shared the same block growing up in Cooperstown. Sending thoughts and prayers. Tami Burke Duda
Praying for the family during this difficult time. We lift you up in our prayers. Tom will be missed in the community and in the church pew every Sunday. Jeremy and Melissa
Melanie and family, I am so very sorry that Tom has departed this world way too soon. I’ve known Tom for 35 years. The first 17 years because I retired as the I.U. business manager. Tom was always a tremendous help to me with his willingness to share his knowledge and experience and support. From meetings, lunches, and playing golf with him there was no doubt in my mind how much he loved and enjoyed his family, life in general, and working. I suggested to him several times after I retired in 2001 that he retire and enjoy doing whatever he wanted to do. RIP to a friend I had great respect of.
RIP Tom…the world lost a true gentleman.
I remember playing football in the Brink’s front yard when we got covered in red ants. Tom saved the day by lighting the ants on fire using gasoline! Thanks Tom!
Tom was one of the finest gentlemen I have ever met. Anyone who knew him, especially men, would do well to use him as an example of how to be a husband, father, and treat other people. I know his family is his tribute. Rest well, Tom… hope to see you again in God’s good time.
Dear Melanie and family,
I was saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom was a really nice man. I met him because I was the Business Manager at the I. U. #6. He was very helpful and knowledgeable in school finances. I used to call him any time I had a problem. I am sure you will miss him terribly, but try to remember he is in a better place and out of pain. Andrea (Andy) Beggs
Dear Melanie, Nicole, Carrie and Wade…we offer all of you our sincerest condolences in the passing of Tom. Both of us remember the many open houses during our teaching careers that we saw the welcoming, supportive and understanding faces of both Tom and Melanie among our parent visitors. Tom knew the ins and outs of school district politics and he also knew what was best for his children-a good education + a loving supportive home life. May your void be filled with the loving memories that each of you have shared with him. May God bless.
Sincerely, Karen and Sam Amendola
Melanie & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and will continue through this difficult time.
My memories of Tom at Valley Grove are of a soft spoken, gentle man who always greeted you with a great smile. Gone too soon…….Our deepest sympathies. Dick & Janice Boozell
So sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very saddened to hear of Tom’ s passing . May his Soul Rest In Peace.
My deepest sympathies to his family.
Sandy (Grill) Brown
We were sorry to here Prayers for all the Family Sincerely Joe and Lynne Hoover
I first met Tom in Jr. high and we normally sat very close to each other in those alphabetical seating days. He always seemed so calm and strong nothing seemed to rattle him. I remember getting a ride to Cooperstown, playing ball and hanging out with Tom and other classmates. Fond memories of those days. When Tom and Melanie started dating in HS I remember thinking what a great match! He had found his soulmate and that’s quite obvious after 47 years! Till we meet again at Jesus feet there will be a void in my heart. Steve
Dear Melanie and family, We wanted to send you our deepest sympathy.Tom was such a caring,strong person who fought a good battle. He always thought more about others than ever worrying about himself. He will truly be missed by his business manager/golfer buddies.Prayers of comfort are sent to you and your family. Sincerely Jack and Mandy Loughner
Many years have passed, however, my memories have not. I keep them very close to me. Your family was as much a part of my young adulthood as my own. Mr. Brink was–and still is–an inspiration to me. He was humble, generous and tolerant. Three virtues that every man should embrace. I try to each day. I pray you find comfort in knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father. His spirit will be with you in this life, and forever when you meet again. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. It has forever changed me. God Bless, Nate Dodds
Dear Melanie and Family,
Sending our sincerest condolences to you and your family. Dave really appreciated the time he worked with Tom at VGSD. Tom always showed extraordinary diligence, confidence and integrity in all he set out to accomplish. We were fortunate to have known him.
May the Lord be with you, Dave and Anne Brandt
Melanie and Family:
I am sure you will remember Tom as the great husband, father and man. He always was a man of virtue and conviction. You were the cutest couple in high school and were forever connected. Most of us could wish we lived such a wonderful life. May God sooth you with his love. Jim Nellis RGHS 1968
To have missed you and Melanie last August for the 50th RGHS reunion was very disappointing to me.
To know now the reason why makes it that much more saddening.
You and Melanie were always the among the ones I truly enjoyed the company of.
God Bless you, Melanie, and the Brink family.
I have been removed from Franklin for many years, but I still hold fond memories of those who really made a personal dent in my lifetime there.
It is a sad time for all of us here, but encouragingly, a happy time knowing you walk today in Heaven with The Lord Our Savior and those you’ve loved who went before you.
In Deepest Sympathy,
Steve Miller.