On February 18, 2021, the Citizen-Standard of Valley View, published a news release from the Gratz Borough Council, Gratz, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, making September 4 as Mayor Thomas F. Hepler Day. On February 28, 2021, Tom died at his home in Gratz. His obituary was previously posted here.
Following is the press release from the Borough Council:
GRATZ – Last Wednesday evening the Gratz Borough Council voted to make September 4, Mayor Thomas F. Hepler Day in the Borough of Gratz.
Mayor Thomas F. Hepler has been serving the community of Gratz as mayor since 2001.
“Through the years our group has changed faces and names numerous time,” said Larry Shade, president of borough council. “Throughout that time my friend has shared his talents, knowledge and leadership to help his community in whatever project or assignment he was asked to do.
“As it is with any government entity, opinions will differ, ideas, possible personal agendas will crop up, change and all their challenges will be great. But throughout this time, Tom, as he will always be known to me, was there ready to do his part… possibly with a little persuasive encouragement. But in the end he was there doing what needed to be done to get the job accomplished. Like any good team member.
“I personally cannot thank him enough for the hours of work we did together and the knowledge he impaired to me.
“Thank you my friend. Your mark upon this community will be part of its bright future and always remembered.
“And this is why I will make the following motion. On this day, the tenth of February, Two Thousand Twenty-One, I, Larry Shade, President of the Gratz Borough Council, by motion along with Vice President Kylie Bender and members Charles Snyder, Lynn Schadle, and Angela Sitlinger, declare September 4th of each year, his birthday, Mayor Thomas F. Hepler Day to honor and thank Tom with his family for his 20 years of dedication and service to our borough.”
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Portrait from Reed Funeral Home.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.