Thomas Leo Shrock Jr

Thomas Leo Shrock Jr, 89, passed away on August 10, 2025 at his home while under hospice care.

Early Life

Thomas — known to many as “Tom” or “Toots” — was the eldest of the Shrock siblings, born in 1936 in Pennsylvania to Thomas Leo Shrock Sr and Doris Evelyn (Green) Shrock. He grew up in the Coalport area, where the family would put down deep roots.

The Craftsman

Tom worked alongside his father at Shrock Body Shop on Tyrone Pike in Coalport, developing the hands-on fabrication and metalworking skills that would define his career. His deep, practical knowledge of Studebaker automobiles — their engineering, their history, their mechanical details — was unmatched among the enthusiasts and collectors who knew him.

When the brothers founded Shrock Brothers in 1985, Tom’s role was essential to production. While David modeled and prototyped the pewter miniatures, Tom handled the casting process — a demanding craft that required precision and patience to produce the fine detail their models were known for. He was equally skilled in the machine shop, where the brothers manufactured over 200 different reproduction Studebaker parts and remanufactured original steering wheels to showroom condition.

Shrock Brothers

Tom was a driving force behind the family business for its entire 36-year run. His encyclopedic knowledge of Studebaker vehicles informed every product — from the accuracy of a 1:72 scale model to the authenticity of a reproduction gas pedal or horn button. Collectors trusted the Shrock Brothers name because Tom and David held themselves to a standard that wouldn’t allow anything less than right.

The brothers were regular exhibitors at Studebaker meets and car shows, where Tom’s quiet expertise and willingness to share his knowledge made him a valued member of the community. Their work was recognized in publications including Toy Cars & Models, Turning Wheels, Hemmings Classic Cars, and many others.

The Family’s Studebaker Collection

Tom and David assembled a personal collection of Studebaker vehicles over the years, including a 1938 President, a 1952 Champion Starlight, a 1956 Pickup, and the 50th Anniversary Hawk — among others. These weren’t just collector’s items; they were the vehicles that fueled the brothers’ lifelong passion and inspired the miniatures and parts they created.

Legacy

Together with David, Thomas built Shrock Brothers into a name respected throughout the Studebaker enthusiast community — known for pewter miniatures of exceptional detail and faithful reproduction parts that kept classic Studebakers on the road.

The business officially closed in 2021 after 36 years. David passed away in December 2022, and Thomas followed in August 2025. Their legacy endures in the models, parts, and restored vehicles that continue to be cherished by collectors across the country.