Thomas J. Poli, of New Hope, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at his home with his family by his side. He was 64.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of Lucian and Eleanor Moran Poli of Exton. He is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Mildred E. Schneider Poli.

After graduating from Lower Moreland High School, Tom enrolled in West Chester University. Upon completing his Bachelor of Science degree, he furthered his education by earning his Masters degree in Chemistry from Beaver College, now Arcadia University.

Tom taught science and chemistry at Log College Middle School, and also coached basketball, soccer and track. He loved his profession and students, and served for over 40 years. Tom made an impression on those whom he taught. Students remembered him, even decades later. He was often referred to as a walking encyclopedia, and had an analytical and curious nature, which contributed to his success as a teacher.

Tom had many hobbies and interests, but some of his favorites were earth and space science and horticulture. He loved planting trees at his home and watching them grow and flourish.

He was a movie buff, and loved to dine out with his wife and family. Tom had the opportunity to travel during his lifetime, and when asked where his favorite place was, he was quick to answer Maui.

Tom enjoyed his life, and had a great sense of humor. He was a respected, educated, loving husband, son, father, grandfather and brother, and in his years as an educator made a profound influence on his students. He will be dearly missed.

In addition to his wife and parents, Tom is survived by his children: Christine Kinkead and her husband Jeff of West Chester, PA, Dawn Forte and her husband Michael of Doylestown, PA, Angela Schopfer and her husband Andreas of Austria, and Amy Bostwick of New Hope, PA; his brothers: James and Robert Poli; his sisters: Susan Beatty and Ellen Heller; and four grandchildren: Colleen, Madison, Jaydon, Michael, and a baby girl on the way. He was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Poli.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm and on Monday, November 25, 2013 from 8:30 to 10:15 am in the Joseph A. Fluehr III Funeral Home, 241 East Butler Ave. (at Sandy Ridge Rd.) New Britain, PA 18901, and to his Funeral Service at 11:00 am in the Family of God Lutheran Church, 4770 Route 202, Buckingham, PA 18912.

Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Phila., PA 19103.