Thomas Eric Lanks, 85, of Winter Garden, FL, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born on April 25, 1940, in Jersey Shore, PA. Throughout his life, he also resided in Pearl River, NY, Lamoine, ME, and Lewisburg, PA. He was educated in Jersey Shore, graduating from Jersey Shore High School in 1958. He continued his education and earned a B.S. in Mathematics and Science Education from Lock Haven University and a M.S. in Mathematics Education from Yeshiva University. He completed further graduate education at New York University, Montclair State College, and Penn State University.

Tom was a teacher and coach in the Pearl River public schools for 33 years, retiring in 1995. For 18 summers, he also worked in Beach Haven, NJ, as a chef at Morrison's Seafood Restaurant. He continued to apply his culinary skills throughout his life. Tom had a wonderful sense of humor and rarely was without a joke to share.

Tom was a member of the Pearl River Lions Club and served a term as president. He was a long-time member of the Pearl River Elks Lodge 2041, where he was the scholarship chairman for many years. He was a member of the Pearl River United Methodist Church, where he served as chairman of the Board of Trustees. He also had a close association with the Lamoine Baptist Church. Most recently, he was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Lewisburg.

Tom is survived by Priscilla (Jenkins) Lanks, his loving wife of 53 years;  his son Eric Lanks and daughter-in-law, Michelle (Tuccio); his son Mark Lanks, and son-in-law, David (Morando); his beloved grandchildren: Emma Leigh, Thomas James, Lincoln Jonas and London Olivia as well as his brothers, Philip and John Lanks. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas Eugene and Helen (Confer) Lanks; his brother Robert Lanks, and his dear friend, Hayes Yorks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul's United Church of Christ @ The Farm in Lewisburg, PA, on a date yet to be determined. Tom will be laid to rest in Woodbine Cemetery in Ellsworth, ME, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tom's name may be made to any of the three churches with which he was affiliated: St. Paul's United Church of Christ @ The Farm , Lamoine Baptist Church , Pearl River United Methodist Church