Thomas Paul McLain

Thomas P. McLain passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, with his niece, Diana, by his side.

 Growing up in Akron, OH, Tom discovered his passion and talent for art at an early age. Following high school, his artistic ability earned him scholarships to both the Akron Art Institute and Kent State University. He graduated from Kent State University in 1956 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting. After graduating, Tom answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army. 

Throughout his distinguished career, Tom held positions with NBC Television, the internationally respected design firm Lippincott & Margulies, the B.F. Goodrich Design Center as Graphic Design Director, and later the American Bank Note Company, where he designed foreign currency, stock certificates, and projects for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 1999.

A lifelong artist, Tom continued painting, studying, and creating throughout his career and well into retirement. His artwork was exhibited for decades, and he remained active in the artistic community through affiliations with the Philadelphia Water Color Society, the Abington Art Center, the Greater Norristown Art League, and the Doylestown Art League. Art was not only his profession—it was his passion and calling.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florene McLain, and his brothers, William and Robert McLain.

He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Sells, Virginia Roberts, and Sue Clausen and many loving nieces and nephews. Tom had countless friends, including Charlie Johnson, whose lives were enriched by his kindness, creativity, and gentle spirit.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to his niece, Diana Sansonetti, her husband Bob for the extraordinary devotion, and care they provided during the final years of Tom’s blessed life.