Thomas Cupillari

Thomas Cupillari, 81, of Factoryville, died peacefully Sunday morning at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Orbisonia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Thomas and Rita Yanni Cupillari. After graduating high school, he continued his education at Keystone Junior College, where he met his wife of 56 years, Sandy (nee Williams). He furthered his education with a Bachelor's degree at the University of Scranton, and a Master's degree at Drake University, where he also served as a graduate assistant in the Astronomy Department. Having kept in touch with the President of Keystone, he was recruited to return to La Plume to teach physics, mathematics, astronomy, and meteorology, unaware that he would not only start his career at Keystone, but he would continue it there for the next 50 years.

A life-long learner, Tom did additional graduate studies and research at the University of Maryland, Syracuse University, Virginia Military Institute, Colorado State University, and Boston University, and he published dozens of research articles in professional science journals. During his tenure at Keystone, he served on and chaired multiple committees including a Middle States Self Study Task Group and six Middle States Evaluating Teams, the Faculty Senate, the Athletic Council, and he served two terms as Chair of the Science and Mathematics Department. In addition, Tom was a member of numerous professional organizations.

Tom is well known in the community for his role in acquiring Keystone College's first telescope and viewing dome from Dave Garroway in 1971, and for founding the College's observatory, which continues to serve the college community and be open to the public. In 2007, he retired as Professor Emeritus, but continued as Keystone's observatory director until 2015. In 2000, the observatory was dedicated and named in his honor.

He also received the Keystone College Chamberlain Chair for Distinguished Faculty Service, the Keystonian of the Year Award, Keystone's Presidential Medallion, and served for many years as the college's graduation Grand Marshall.

He was a member of the Factoryville Sportsmen's Club, a past president of the Factoryville Men's Civic Club, and served on the Factoryville-Clinton Township Sewer Authority, and the Advisory Board of Ballet Theatre of Scranton, where he was a recipient of the "Volunteer of the Year Award." As a member of Our Lady of the Abingtons Church in Dalton, he chaired the first annual Bishop's Appeal and served as an usher at Saturday night Masses.

Also surviving are two daughters: Kathy Cupillari, Factoryville, and Kris Cupillari and her husband Marc Andresen, Waverly Township.

Not only was Tom a devoted husband, father, and uncle, but also was a wonderful friend, colleague, and neighbor. Until recently, he could be seen each morning strolling Kehrli Road with his binoculars, having breakfast at the Bluebird Diner with his friends, working in his garden, cheering on Kathy's Arc bowling team at Idle Hour Lanes every Tuesday, and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates.

The family wishes to thank Doctors Kristin Liptock, Chris Peters, Jacqueline Lee, Srinivastarao Ramakrishna, Lucian Bednarz, and Terrance Chilson for their attentive care throughout the past year, and the amazing staff of Allied Home Hospice - Chris, Kristen, Deb, Diana, Joyce, and Judy - for their compassionate support during Tom's last week.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Arbogaste Satoun at Our Lady of the Abingtons, Dalton. Interment will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Waverly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's memory to Keystone College, Scranton Preparatory School, or Allied Home Hospice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State Street, Clarks Summit.