Thomas J. Pallaria, Jr.

Thomas J. Pallaria, Jr., “TomKat” of Canonsburg passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018 in his home with his loving wife by his side.

He was born on March 25, 1939 in Canonsburg to Thomas J. Pallaria, Sr. and Mary Ann Borrelli Pallaria who preceded him in death.

He was a 1957 graduate of Canonsburg High School.

On January 31, 1959 in St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Rosemarie Sluciak, who survives.

TomKat served in the Army National Guard. He was a member of the Italian American Cultural and Heritage Society of Washington County and the American Legion Post 191 of Houston.

He was employed at the former Cooper Power Systems of Canonsburg for 31 years until its closing in 1994. Prior to retirement in 2004, he worked for many trucking companies and ultimately retired from Ellis Asphalt Paving.

He loved puttering in his garage in his spare time, always thinking of new projects that would ultimately add to his many collections and list of treasures.

His favorite quote was, “If it don’t shine, it ain’t mine”.

He was the proud father of his only daughter Sherry L. Rivetti of Canonsburg, and a proud father of his only son Dr. Thomas (Cecilia) Pallaria of New Jersey. He was the proud grandfather of three grandsons, Matthew Michael Rivetti of Canonsburg, Caleb Thomas Pallaria, Spencer Daniel Pallaria and his beautiful granddaughter Trinity Lyons Pallaria, all of New Jersey.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law Michael Rivetti.

At the request of TomKat, there will be no public visitation. Friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 317 West Pike Street, Canonsburg. Internment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery will be private. Full military rites will be accorded by VFW Post 191 of Canonsburg and the United States Army Honor Guard. Arrangements have been entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, LFD, owner/supervisor and Darla A. Tripoli, LFD, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you carry out an act of kindness for those in need, whether friend or stranger, just like TomKat did throughout his life.