Thomas W. Jewkes

Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home & Crematory

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | December 16, 2023

Tom was a graduate of Braddock High School. Family and friends knew him as quick to show his smile, share a funny story, or a contagious laugh. There was a twinkle in his blue eyes, and his children lived, learned, and practiced his strong work ethic and their love of family and the outdoors that he shared with them during his lifetime. A perfectionist in many aspects of his life, his family remembers his knot-tying, meticulous approach to home remodeling projects, his awesome cleaning skills, and auto repair weekends.

He met Arlene in 1975 and became a family man who loved spending time with his children. Grandparenting was his other skill. He shared long walks and spent time playing on the floor with them. His special handshake, endless checker games, being buried in sand at the seashore, attending sports events, dance recitals, or the many summer weekends spent at camp are cherished memories for the grandchildren.

Tom enjoyed birds and nature in person and watched the local eagles' nests online for hours. He enjoyed spending time at camp and collecting seashells at the beach, and he especially loved fishing just about everywhere he went. While at "the pond," Tom would entice fish to his hook with hot dogs as bait. He enjoyed the occasional Stella while scratching lottery tickets. Camping at Bear Run, trips to Edinboro, weekend road trips, bike rides, and visits to Cedar Point, Deep Creek, and the Outer Banks are just a few of the times his family treasures.

During his lifetime, he worked for Epic Metal for ten years and volunteered with the Sunset Fire Department. He then worked for Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority for over 24 years as a pipe fitter/backhoe operator installing main lines, service lines, and repairing leaks until he retired. His coworkers, who knew him as "Bulldog," would attest to his meticulous approach to work. He also served as a delegate in the Utilities Workers' Union Local 191.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his children, Kathie (Jamie) Wagner, Tommy Jewkes, and Missy (Brandon) Machi; grandchildren; Michael, Anthony, Danielle, Gianna, and Olivia. He had other special people in his life, including his loved ones "like a daughter", Monica Medved, and his "brother," Bill Grassi.

Visitation will be held at Jaycox-Jaworski Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 2 pm to 8 pm. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at New St. Joseph Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Bridges Hospice in Thomas's name at https://www.bridgeshospice.org/donate

Our family wishes to extend our gratitude to Bridges Hospice staff and Sally Luna (our angel in disguise) for their loving and exceptional care.

The children want to thank their mom for all the compassion, love, and exceptional care she showed during his illness. Because of this devotion, he could stay home, constantly surrounded by the love of his family. Soar with the eagles, Dad!

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.jaycox-jaworskifh.com. Chris Odasso, Supervisor

Originally published December 16, 2023.

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