Thomas Hurling Hankerson

He was the beloved husband of Carolyn (Coriell Girgenti) Hankerson, having celebrated their 19th anniversary in September.

Born in Piscataway, NJ, Tom graduated from Piscataway High School where he was an outstanding baseball player. He was a gifted drummer, and as a lefty, he played a mean tom-tom in his high school drumline and with the Bracken Cadets. After high school, he registered at Rutgers University as a music major but shortly after, in 1965, he enlisted in the Army. Rather than being assigned to the Army Band, Tom was sent to Vietnam. He served two tours of duty with the 82nd Airborne Division. Other positions that he claimed during his life time included Piscataway Police Officer, clerk at the Mercer County Detention Center, and district manager for the Bucks County Courier Times newspaper, among others.

Uncle Tommy/Uncle T was the "fun uncle" to his numerous nieces and nephews, the oldest only being slightly younger than he was.

His heart - and wonderful tenor voice - were always close to his church, North Stelton A.M.E. in Piscataway, as well as any church he might attend. In recent years, he enjoyed participating in drum circles on the Boardwalk at various Jersey shore towns. Tom was also a volunteer with Emergency Relief Association Food Pantry (ERA). He was deeply involved with 12 step programs.

Tom was the youngest child of the late Alfred and Gladys (Thomas) Hankerson. He is survived by his brother, Donald and his wife, Val, and was preceded in death by his siblings, Gladys, Mary, Alfred Jr., Evelyn and Lilian.

He was the father of Stephanie, Thomas Hurling Jr. "TJ" and his wife, Takeya, and Hakim and his wife, Tonya. Tom/Pop had 16 grandkids and 9 great grands. He loved them more than he loved chocolate.

Please join us as we celebrate Tom's life. Visitation will be held from 3 until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16th at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown where his memorial service will be held at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Emergency Relief Association, 1700 Woodbourne Rd., Levitttown, PA 19057 - or bring a can of food to donate - or both!