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Thomas B. Sturges, III

November 25, 1944 - June 06, 2018

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Obituary For Thomas B. Sturges, III

November 25, 1944 - June 6, 2018

Sturges, Thomas B., III

Thomas Benedict Sturges, III, Professional Engineer, and Chairman of Pennsylvania Drilling Company (PennDrill Manufacturing), who worked to improve the lives of people and the environment, died on June 6 at age 73, from complications of a brain tumor.

Tom grew up in Whitehall, PA, the son of Frank and Hazel Sturges, with his sister, Mary Lee Sturges Clark. He attended the Kiski School and graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He worked for the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company, then moved back to Pittsburgh to join Pennsylvania Drilling Company, a family company founded in 1900, specializing in exploratory and environmental drilling. Tom eventually became Chairman, expanded PennDrill Manufacturing, and added another manufacturing facility in Winchester VA. Tom was active in both Kiski and Bucknell throughout his life and recently received "The Distinguished Alumni Award" for service to Kiski. He was deeply involved in nonprofit boards, including the boards of The Early Learning Institute for 43 years and Conservation Consultants. He volunteered for the Carnegie Science Center, and was a member and leader of many professional organizations, including the National Drillers Association, American Society of Civil Engineers, Pittsburgh Geological Society, Association of Engineering Geologists, as well as serving on the board of Brentwood Bank. Survived by his wife Barbara, children Melissa and Caleb, son-in-law Ken, daughter-in-law Marci, grandchildren August and Brooke, sister Mary Lee Clark and her husband, John Clark, as well as a large extended family, friends and neighbors who loved him for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. Tom loved sailing, his little red sports car, and chocolate. But his real passion was for people. He was always open to meeting someone new and would call them friend before too long. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 12-1 p.m. We invite you to share your experiences with, and stories about Tom, when we celebrate his life at 1 p.m at a memorial service and reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Tom's memory to a charity of your choice or to the Carnegie Science Center, where Tom served as a volunteer for the Pittsburgh Regional Science Fair: The Carnegie-Donations, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15231.

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Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    Dear Barbara, Melissa, Caleb and Mary Lee, you all have my deepest sympathy and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Tom will always be truly missed by every one whose lives he touched. He was so very proud of all of you and adored each and every one. Especially August & Brooke, the Beat of His Heart! I was privileged to have known Tom for 31 of the 43 years he spent on teli's Board of Trustees and he was the ultimate Trustee. He served as President of the Board off and on for many years and always volunteered at every one of our events, especially the dreaded Tour de Sewickley. He genuinely cared about the children that teli serves and the teli staff. He would stop by the office with bagels and crème cheese just to say hello and to thank us for what we do. Every time I walk past Eggs R Us I'll think of Tom and his favorite place to enjoy breakfast. I can so remember when he got this little red Miata he was so proud of that little car and he looked so cute in it. I will forever cherish all of the memories I have of Thomas B. Sturges, III and will keep them close to my heart. As I cry for such a heartbreaking loss for everyone, I celebrate Tom's life, his return to God, his parents, and all of those how have gone before him. RIP Tom until we meet again.

  • December 11, 2019

    Hi Caleb, I was truly sorry to hear of your dad's passing. He was a real gentleman and a good friend. He always treated everyone with dignity and respect. The industry needs more people like him. I wish that he would have had more time to enjoy the retirement that he so richly deserved.

  • December 11, 2019

    On behalf of the National Drilling Association, we were saddened to hear of Toms passing. All the members of the NDA send their sincere sympathy to the Sturges family. He was a great person and truly dedicated professional. Tom will be deeply missed in the drilling industry.

  • December 11, 2019

    I was so sorry to hear the sad news. We have lost a great, dear friend and sailor. My sympathy to you and your family. Quoc, Ellen and Mary Tran "Deep Creek Lake" MD

  • December 11, 2019

    My condolences to the Sturges Family and Penn Drill family. I have known Tom for 30 years and have always cherished the time spent with Tom whether via phone or in person. It was always a pleasant experience meeting Tom at various National Drilling Association functions and other conventions around the USA. He will be missed.

  • December 11, 2019

    Tom was a mentor to me when I entered the drilling industry, and a valued friend of 35 years. Anytime we would be at an event, I would always seek Tom out for inspiration, his laughter and dry humor! He will be truly missed

  • December 11, 2019

    Tom was truly one of the kindest, gentlest souls I'm ever met. He enjoyed his family so much, and always proudly showed me photos of his children and grandchildren. He touched so many lives so deeply - I hope that brings you comfort during these difficult times. I will always remember Tom, his caring nature, dedication and huge heart. With deepest sympathy - your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

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