Tommy Yanders, 64, of Nazareth left his wheelchair behind and ran to the gates of heaven on December 23 to be greeted by our Lord and his earthly father, John, who passed away 3 weeks earlier.  He was the "special" son of Mary Ann (Stubits) and the late John Yanders of Northampton.

Tommy lived with his devoted parents until the age of 56, and resided at an Intermediate Care Facility managed by Step by Step, Inc., for the past 6 years.  He shared companionship with several special-needs residents and was cared for by a compassionate and professional staff, all who became his extended family.

A devout catholic, Tommy was a member of Queenship of Mary Church in Northampton.  He had a strong foundation of faith since his childhood, which he continued to witness into his adult life.

Tommy previously worked at Kurtz Training Center in Bethlehem and was currently attending the SPARC day program at ARC of Lehigh & Northampton Counties in Bethlehem since 2007, instructed by a most dedicated staff.  Despite his challenges, Tommy was a spirited human being who found joy in everyday life.  He was witty, complimentary, and compassionate, and an inspiration to all who met him, always sharing his warm smile and charming hello.

Tommy was the core of his beloved family.  Besides his loving mother, he is survived by his brother Robert, husband of Lynne of Harpswell, ME, and his sister, Janet Heminitz, wife of John of Walnutport.  He adored his 6 nieces and nephews, Heather, Janelle, Brad, Jocelyn, Melissa and Matthew, and 2 great nephews Paxton and Nolan.

Graveside services will be private, with a joint father and son memorial mass to be announced in 2021. Donations can be made to the ARC of Lehigh & Northampton Counties--SPARC Program, or to Queenship of Mary Church, in care of Reichel Funeral Home, Northampton.