Robert Schicktanz

Robert Thomas Schicktanz "Tom", 90, of Tunkhannock, PA, passed away Sunday, November 9, 2025, at home with family by his side. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, DeAun Mackie Schicktanz, in 2019.

Born in June 1935, in Falls Church, VA, he is the son of the late Sylvester and Anne (Robertson) Schicktanz. Throughout his childhood, he lived in Falls Church, Atchison and Junction City, KS. Summers spent working in Ocean City, MD, fostered a lifelong love for the ocean and inspired many cherished family vacations there in later years.

Tom graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, where he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and studied abroad in Germany. On May 27, 1956, he married his college sweetheart, DeAun Mackie, beginning a devoted partnership and family legacy rooted in love, loyalty, and steadfast commitment.

Tom spent his entire 38-year career working for Procter & Gamble across the United States, Australia, and China, retiring in 1994. His professional contributions were marked by innovation, leadership, and exacting standards. Known for his integrity and meticulous standards, Tom earned deep respect from colleagues. He played a pivotal role in the development and launch of the Luvs premium diaper line, traveling to manufacturing plants worldwide to oversee successful start-ups and implementation. His international assignments included leading manufacturing plant site development in Sydney, Australia, and plant start-up/operations in Guangzhou, China, and directing a global team of manufacturing specialists focused on facilities throughout South America.

An active member of the Tunkhannock Rotary Club, Tom served as president and was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also led the Wyoming County United Way campaigns in the 1970s, helping guide charitable efforts that supported families and strengthened local resources.

In addition to his love of family, Tom was an avid reader, a passionate traveler, and someone who took great pride in caring for his home, gardens, and surrounding woodlands. He loved evenings spent by the fireplace, watching deer and wild turkeys from the window. He continued to cut trees and split firewood even at the age of 89. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially attending school events, celebrating milestones, and gathering for annual vacations on Hutchinson Island, FL. The love and values he instilled in his family remain his enduring legacy.

He is survived by sons, Robert Schicktanz and wife Linda, Bill Schicktanz; daughters Suzanne Schicktanz, Nina Probel and husband Todd, Elizabeth Johnston and husband John; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is preceded in death by brother, William Schicktanz; and sister, Judy Schicktanz Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to the Tunkhannock Public Library, 220 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.

Family and friends are invited to attend Tom's viewing which will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM from the Marcho, Sheldon, and Kukuchka Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 73 W. Tioga St., Tunkhannock, PA 18657.