NILES Tom Anderson, 88, died Thursday December 18, 2014 at Wayside Farms in Peninsula, OH. He was born to David and Anna Belle Anderson on September 3, 1926 in Greensburg, PA, was the oldest of five children. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September of 1943, and was sent to the ship yard at Pittsburgh's Nevil Island to report aboard the LST-751 which was to be a part of the seventh fleet in the Pacific. Tom saw much action as a Gunners Mate second class, facing several Kamikazi attacks and participating in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Tom was discharged in 1946 after receiving the Pacific Theater Ribbon with two stars, the American Sipan Victory Medal. Returning home, he married his one and only sweetheart Estella Maust on August 3, 1946. They had three children, Rebecca, David and Michael. On the first week of January 1960 they moved from Apollo, PA to Niles, OH to start a new life. He had several jobs in his lifetime, ranging from semi-truck driver, manager of Lawson's, mechanic and retiring as a sewage treatment operator for the city of Niles. Following retirement he worked as a greeter for WalMart, where he was well known for his distinctive hat. He also served the community for over forty years as a "Santa's Special helper" visiting many family homes on Christmas Eve as well as being at several department stores. He was also a member of the Niles Moose, and a life member of the Hubbard VFW Post 3767. Tom lost his beloved wife of 63 years in January of 2010 and ten months later his cherished daughter-in-law Charlene Anderson passed away. He leaves behind to honor his memory, his daughter, Rebecca (Tony) Kavalesky of Hubbard, David and Michael Anderson both of Niles. Grandchildren, Lynnette Chiody, Carey (Mark) Steele, Chris (Nicole) Anderson, Stephen (Shannon) Anderson. Great grandchildren, Charlie, Wesley, Sophia and John Steele, Mason and Liam Chiody and Nathan, Benjamin and Olivia Anderson. A brother, David of Warren, PA. Sisters, Mary of New Kensington, PA and Ruth of Copper Cove, TX. Tom also leaves many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, his wife, Estella, daughter-in-law, Charlene and a brother, Bill. Memorial services will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM at the Kelley-Robb-Cummins Funeral Home. The family would like to give a very special thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Pool, LPN Gloria, nursing assistant Laura and social worker Dottie as well as the loving and caring people at Wayside Farms in Peninsula, OH, whose love, care and support made his last years as comfortable as possible for him. The family requests any material contributions be made to Wayside Farms in Peninsula, OH or to the Hubbard VFW Post 3767. Please visit www.krcummins.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

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