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Thomas E. Jarosz

April 08, 1955 - December 02, 2016

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Obituary For Thomas E. Jarosz

April 8, 1955 - December 2, 2016

Jarosz, Thomas E.

At age 61, drew his last quiet breath on December 2, 2016, in the comfort of his own home and surrounded by the love of his wife and kids. Tom was a 1973 graduate of Hilltop Catholic High School where he met his wife of 41 years, Mary Lou (Kronstein). Upon graduation, Tom started his job at Mesta, and he and Mary Lou bought their first home on Arabella Street. Tom went on to earn a degree in electronics and robotics from Connelley Technical Institute in Pittsburgh. After years of struggling through the 80's post-steel economy, Tom finally found his life-long career when he was hired at Bell Telephone. He retired from Verizon in 2012, a year after being diagnosed with Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. It was a daunting and dark time, but keeping with his personality, Tom handled his cancer with strength, stubbornness, sarcasm and humor. With the help of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, some luck, and endless amounts of caretaking from Mary Lou, Tom managed to enjoy more than five years of life after that diagnosis, including times of remission. He loved to travel, spending many vacations with friends and family on golf courses, at beaches, on cruises, and taking in the music and spirit of New Orleans. In addition to his devoted rock of a wife, he is survived by his children Jaime (and her wife, Sara), Jessica, and Joe (and his wife, Emily). His job now is to watch over his grandsons Steven, Michael, Jack, and Jude. Tom will be missed by his big sisters Ruth Jarosz, Jean Pelton, Nancy Davis, Mary Lou Przywara, and little sister Betsy Jarosz. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and so very many friends who were as close to him as any family. Tom's wit, philosophical debates, love for his children, and appreciation of music will be missed loudly in what will no doubt be a quieter world here on Earth. Now he's making noise playing that Great Gig in the Sky. Family and friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227, on Thursday and Friday, December 8 and 9 from 2 to 8 p.m. where a Celebration of Life and Blessing Service will be held on Saturday, December 10 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider paying it forward by donating a gift in memory of Tom Jarosz to: Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation for the Cancer Patient Family Expenses Fund. Checks can be mailed in Tom's name to One Children's Hospital Drive, Central Plant, Floor 2, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224. A donation box will also be available at the funeral home to support a 12-year old boy in his grandson Michael's school who has just been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. All support that can be provided to these children in Tom's name will be forever appreciated by his family.

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Condolences

  • December 11, 2019

    My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Wishing I could be with you all during this trying time. I am having a Mass said for him at my Church here in Richland.

  • December 11, 2019

    â??Iâ??ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.â?? Maya Angelou

  • December 11, 2019

    My heartfelt condolences to you all. Tom was loved and will be missed greatly. I am so blessed to have known him as part of our family and will always cherish that. Much love and continued blessings and strength to all of you.

  • December 11, 2019

    My heart goes out to each one of you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and am so glad to have known such a wonderful man. May your beautiful angel watch over all of you. XO

  • December 11, 2019

    My heart goes out to each one of you. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and am so glad to have known such a wonderful man. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May your beautiful angel watch over all of you. XO

  • December 11, 2019

    Susan, My mom would love to reconnect with you. feel free to email her at tml.jjj@verizon.net Thank you. Her daughter, Jessica

  • December 11, 2019

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all the loved ones in his family. Thomas is in a better place with the Lord, and will always be able to look down upon you all, and you will all have your memories of him to keep his spirit alive. God Bless Tom and keep him safe.

  • December 11, 2019

    Mary Lou, Jamie, Jessica, Joey, Sara, Emily Mike, Steve, Jack and Jude: Words fall short of expressing how sorry we feel for your loss. Words, however kind, canâ??t mend your heartache, but know that we care for you and share your grief and wish you comfort and peace of mind.â?? May the care and love of those around you all, provide comfort and peace to get you through the time ahead. We are honored and blessed to have known Tom. He was apart of our lives we will surely miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind man. May the sorrow you feel in your hearts be lightened by the love that surrounds you. Our sincere condolences. Love & prayers Ken and Denise

  • December 11, 2019

    With heartfelt sympathy may you find comfort in friends and family during this time. God protect you all and send his loving support to each of you. May Mr. Jarosz's memory live on though all the good times you have had together. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • December 11, 2019

    My dad, my guardian angel, my rock, my greatest love. I will miss you forever and ever...until we meet again. You had better come for me! I love you, daddy. Watch over us. Please know how much you're cared for and cherished. Let's golf again in heaven. I will expect you to be a pro by then. Love you dad. ��? Your daughter, Jessica

  • December 11, 2019

    Mary Lou so sorry to hear about Tom. Unfortunately I too lost the love of my life, Jim to cancer in May of this year. My heart is with you and your family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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