Thomas C. Wilkinson

Dr. Thomas C. “Doc” Wilkinson, age 83 of Canonsburg, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021. He was born in North Charleroi, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1938, son of Raymond T. Wilkinson and Gladys P. Turnbull. His elementary and secondary education was received in the Charleroi parochial and public schools. He graduated from Charleroi High School in 1956. In 1959 he graduated from California University of Pennsylvania, with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in elementary education. In 1962 he graduated from West Virginia University with a master of arts degree, majoring in elementary administration. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating with a doctor of philosophy in school administration in 1976.

Tom married the former Jacqueline A. Price, they have three children, a son Thomas Joseph (Sherry), and two daughters Kristen W. (Scott) Weiss and Kimberly W. (Mark) Young. They also have five grandchildren Adam (Jo-Jo) and Rachel (Chris) Wilkinson, Sean and Logan Young, Sophia Rose Weiss and two great-grandchildren Connor and Carly Wilkinson.

Doc’s first position as an elementary  teacher was in the California Area School District. He served as an elementary principal and administrative assistant in the East Allegheny School District from 1963 to 1969. In 1969 he was employed as curriculum coordinator in the school district of the city of Monessen. He was reassigned to the position of assistant junior senior high school.  In July 1978, Tom was commissioned as superintendent of schools in the school district of the city of Monessen. In 1991 he was employed by California University of PA as director of the superintendent letter of eligibility program. He later served as director of student teaching and associate dean. He retired from California University of PA in 2008 when he was named to the Emeritus Faculty.

Tom was elected to the board of school directors in the California Area School District in 1969. He served on the board for eight years as a member, president, vice president and chief negotiator. Dr. Wilkinson received a number of awards during his professional career. In 1982 he received the Pennsylvania Personnel and Guidance Association Outstanding School Administrator Award. In 1990 he was named citizen of the year by the Mon Valley Initiative. Doc received the Westmoreland County Superintendent Associations Superintendent Emeritus Award in 1991. He received the United Way Volunteer Award as president in 1985-1986. As a member and former president in the Monessen Rotary Club he was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

Since his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing, bowling and having a glass of Jameson with a fine cigar in his sunroom while watching the birds and wildlife.

Friends and family are welcome from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Thursday, July 29, 2021 in Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra LFD owner/supervisor, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120, where departing prayers will be recited at 9:40 am on Friday, July 30, 2021, followed by a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick Church of St. Oscar Romero Parish, 317 W. Pike St., Canonsburg.

Interment will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the American Heart Association.

To view or extend condolences please visit www.salandrafunerals.com