Lewisburg, Pennsylvania - Thomas Alfred Neilson died on July 16 at home after a brief period of hospice care.

He was born on May 6, 1944, in Avalon, Pa., near Pittsburgh, the son of Emily (Bissell) Neilson and Alfred Burns Neilson.

A 1962 graduate of McKeesport Senior High School, he chose to pursue his love of mathematics and young people by enrolling at Slippery Rock University to complete a B.S. in mathematics education.

Following graduation in 1966, he married his soulmate Nancy Knapp and began his teaching career at Peters Township High School, southwest of Pittsburgh. He completed a master's degree in education at the University of Pittsburgh in 1970.

In 1974, Tom and his wife Nancy moved to Towanda to begin an administrative career as the assistant principal at Towanda Area Middle School. In 1984, he became the elementary principal in the Northeast Bradford School District and in 1991 was appointed the superintendent of the district. He remained in that position until his retirement in 2005. While residing in Bradford County, he completed requirements for the superintendent's letter at Bucknell University.

In 2020, Tom and Nancy moved to Lewisburg to be more centrally located to family.

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Knapp Neilson; three children: Steven (Suzanne) Neilson in the Lancaster area, Deborah (Ron) Tucker, of Spring Grove, Pa., and Laurie (Mark) Troyer, of Centre Hall. Beloved grandchildren include Blake, Jensen, and Mirra Neilson, Luke and Jake Tucker, and Lucie Troyer. Also surviving are six great-grandchildren, sister Naomi (Jon) Vichich, sister-in-law Mary Ruth McKean, brother-in-law Thomas (Patricia) Knapp, and eight nieces and nephews.

As a youth, Tom was active in Boy Scouts and enjoyed summers as a staff member at Camp Aliquippa. His adventurous spirit also led him to become a certified SCUBA instructor and to enjoy hiking, orienteering, camping and especially bicycling. Flying his drone led him to become an enthusiastic member of Susquehanna STEM to the Skies, where he enjoyed engaging young people in mathematics and aviation.

Known for his ready smile, sense of humor, and eagerness to lend a helping hand, Tom was also known for his creative problem-solving, electrical expertise, and delight in sharing many tools.

A member of Towanda Presbyterian for 45 years, Tom was an active elder and trustee. He taught Sunday School for many years and was busy with various projects working to update and preserve the 250-year-old historical structure. Tom could be found operating the sound system, working with Kids' Club and VBS, and he frequently served as narrator for choir cantatas. Tom also served for many years as a volunteer for the AARP Tax-Aide program. After moving to Lewisburg, he became a trustee at the Lewisburg Presbyterian Church, also working to preserve this historic church.

A celebration of life for Tom Neilson will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lewisburg on Thursday, July 23 at 11 a.m. The family will receive guests at the church prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Towanda, First Presbyterian Church of Lewisburg, or to Susquehanna STEM to the Skies.