Leonard Thomas Bankert

Leonard “Tom” Thomas Bankert was born on July 6,1944 in Baltimore, Maryland, and later residing in Harford County, MD passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, with family by his side.

Tom was the son of the late Joseph Leonard Bankert and Mary Elizabeth (Conlon) Bankert.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, John Bankert (Carole), and Joseph F. “Fritz” Bankert (Linda), and Mary M. Young (Jack) and his devoted partner, Donna Ziegler.

Tom is survived by his children, Joy M. Bankert and husband Thomas Angelillo and Nicholas C. Bankert and wife Amy. He was a proud and devoted Pop-Pop to Anna Grace Bankert, Carlos D. Angelillo, and Tilly M. Angelillo. As well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Tom attended St. Dominic’s grade school, class of 1959 and graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical (MERVO) high school in 1963 as a lithograph printer. He worked at Arcade Press, Holiday Press, Boone Press and The Baltimore Sun newspaper before changing careers.

In 1974, Tom began a successful career in the elevator industry as an elevator mechanic and spent 20 plus years with General Elevator. He was a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, Local #7 Baltimore.

He also worked as a machinist and was a member of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAAM).

Even in retirement, he stayed busy and active, driving a tow truck for Auto Mall Towing Bel Air, MD a job he genuinely enjoyed. A lifelong mechanic, Tom was always keeping his hands busy, fiddling with something mechanical. He loved working on cars and had a particular fondness for speed—he truly lived life in the fast lane.

In his quieter moments, Tom found joy in watching and feeding the birds and wildlife, a simple pleasure that brought him peace. Above all, he cherished his grandchildren and the time spent with them.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate or Oral Cancer Foundation https://donate.oralcancerfoundation.org/