Thomas A. Gilchrist, Jr.

Thomas A. “Tom” Gilchrist, Jr., age 80, of West Chester, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Bethesda North Hospital.

Born on June 14, 1945, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and raised in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, Tom was the son of the late Thomas A. Gilchrist, Sr. and Isabelle ‘Ibby’ (nee Humphrey) Gilchrist. After graduating from Beaver Falls High School, he went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Penn State University. Tom then moved to Towson, Maryland for a brief period of time to work for C R Daniels in their design department. He continued his career by accepting a position with Xerox, and settling in Rochester, New York. This is where he raised his family. While living in Rochester, Tom earned an Executive MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology.

In 1992, his career with Xerox brought him to the Cincinnati area. Tom dedicated more than 30 years to Xerox before retiring. Retirement didn’t slow him down—he went on to work as a manager, and later a business analyst, at Macy’s and also spent time selling Indian motorcycles, combining his professional skills with his love for riding.

Tom was a proud member of the Fairport Flower City Masonic Lodge #476 and was known for his wide-ranging hobbies and passions. He enjoyed backgammon, crossword puzzles, card games, trivia, and almost all genres of music. He was an avid collector of diecast model cars and trains, and had a special fondness for motorcycles. Tom also enjoyed watching football, especially the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Tom is survived by his loving children: Holly (Craig) Durant of Trappe, PA, Erin (Owen Davies) Gilchrist of Fairport, NY, and Sean (Ilean Beavers) Gilchrist of Manchester, NY; his grandson, Silas Gilchrist of Manchester, NY; and his sister, Jane Gilchrist of Savannah, GA.

Tom was a lover of all animals, especially of the feline variety. He leaves behind his faithful companion, Chili Palmer.

Tom will be remembered for his work ethic and attention to detail, and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, curiosity, and a sprinkle of sarcasm that will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service and interment will be held at a later date in Beaver Falls, PA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Butler County Humane Society in Tom’s memory.