Thomas Budzilowicz Obituary

Thomas (Tom) P. Budzilowicz, age 70, of Kulpsville, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 30, 2026, following a massive stroke. He was a beloved father, dziadziu, brother, neighbor, and friend.

Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1955, Tom was the loving son of the late Mitchell and Rosemary (O'Connor) Budzilowicz. Tom graduated from Bishop Kenrick High School in 1973. He was employed by Dallas for several years as a line painter. After taking various courses related to HVAC mechanics, he completed an intensive training program at Philadelphia Wireless Technical Institute in 1984. He then worked as an HVAC mechanic for Walter Dorn Estates in Telford. In 1988, Tom was hired as an HVAC mechanic by Merck & Co. in West Point, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in 2018. In 1994, Tom earned a first-degree black belt in TaeKwon Do.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Michelle Budzilowicz, son-in-law, Brandon Portice, and granddaughter, Ada; his siblings Helene Clary, Mitchell (Mary), Rosemary Dillon (Mark), Vincent (Kimberly), and Hugh; an aunt, Priscilla O'Connor, and many nieces and nephews. He was previously married to Maureen (Joe) Freed, who remained a close friend. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Stephanie Collins (the late Dennis), Monica Kirkner, Joseph, and Charles. Tom is also survived by his many friends and neighbors who have become family over the years.

Tom was a genius with mechanics. He could easily disassemble and reassemble anything and repair any type of machine, vehicle, or tractor-no matter how complex. He especially enjoyed buying broken equipment and tinkering until he got it running. Tom kept his tool bag handy, and he was always ready to grab it to help family, friends, and neighbors fix something. If anyone needed a tool, Tom would always share it, along with his knowledge and expertise.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his beloved granddaughter, and meeting friends for breakfast at the Franconia Cafe for over 20 years. He loved to hang out with friends in "Tom's Garage," his heated and air-conditioned man cave, while keeping a watchful eye on Kulp Road. He found every opportunity to take a ride, from mowing his lawn and neighbors' lawns to visiting with buddies in the mountains to ride his four-wheeler and operate an excavator. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but he'd give us grief if we were too somber at his passing. Instead, bust someone's chops, raise a glass to Tom, and share your favorite memory of him.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring-no suits or ties allowed. Tom was an organ and tissue donor, so in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123, or at www.donors1.org/give.