Thomas J. Archer, 72, of Chadds Ford, formerly Glen Mills, died Dec. 15 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's. Tom was born in Philadelphia and attended West Catholic High School and Bartram High School. He was predeceased by his father, Thomas Archer Sr., and mother, Margaret Archer (née Halloran).

Tom served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation electrician during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at DaNang Marine Base at the onset of the Tet Offensive and also on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. He was a proud veteran. Tom was a member of the VFW Media Post and formerly the Norwood Post. He was also a member of the American Legion and served as American Legion Post 93 Commander. Tom served on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum and was a veterans’ service officer at the Delaware County Office of Veterans Affairs.

Tom built his career working at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, most recently as a project manager. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in 1994 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Tom was a skilled carpenter, ham radio operator, and loved to cook and entertain. He will be remembered for his friendly, gregarious nature and easy laugh. He was a devoted, loving husband, brother, and uncle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Kathy (née Roach), sisters Jeanette Landis (currently a resident of Texas) and Regina Wallace (currently a resident of Moscow, Idaho), brothers-in-law A.T. Wallace, Philip E. Roach (Linda), Bruce Roach (Elizabeth Fitzgerald), and many adoring nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Jan. 17, at The Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, LTD., Middletown (Rte. # 352) and Knowlton Rds., Middletown Township, Media, PA 19063 (610-876-4213).

The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with the memorial service following at 11. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer's Association(alz.org), or Rags to Riches Animal Shelter (Aston, PA), or the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum (Media, PA).