Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

September 23, 1934 - December 21, 2017

Colella, Thomas M. Age 83, died on December 21, 2017, of Peters Township.

Beloved husband of Susan J. Colella (Kissler) and the late Florence M. Colella; loving father of Wendy Colella of Tulsa, OK and Betsy and Bill Raber ; devoted grandfather of Mya and Callie McCue and Rachel and Alec Raber; son of the late Anthony A.,(a.k.a Tommy Carlyn) and Rita M. Colella; brother of Brian (Patti) and the late Ronald Colella. Thomas was a graduate of Brentwood High School (1953) and attended Mercersburg Academy and Kent State University. Tom and his father founded Brian Homes in 1956. He became President of the family run business with his brother Brian at Vice President position. Since 1956 Brian Homes has built nearly 2,000 homes in the South Hills and surrounding areas. Tom also was a savvy developer for other local home builders. Tom had a storied career in auto racing and is considered by many as an icon of regional racing and noteworthy on a national level. Tom eventually took over as track owner and promoter of Heidelberg Raceway while still driving. He was honored as a Dapper Dan "Sportsman of the Year" as well as being inducted into the Stock Car Racing Circle Track Hall of Fame, the Western PA sports Hall of Fame for Auto Racing and the Brentwood High School Hall of Fame. He was a board member of Iron and Glass Bank for 22 years. Tom was an avid sports fan, longtime Steeler and Penguin Season ticket holder and was part of the 22 original Civic Arena Pittsburgh Penguin Season ticket holders. Tom wore many hats. He was an excellent deal maker, influencer, financier, and always had a vision for the next deal or project ahead. He enjoyed nature and all that it has to offer, biking, fine wine and was an avid golfer. Friends will be received at the John F Slater Funeral Home, Inc. 412-881-4100 4201 Brownsville Rd. Brentwood, PA 15227 on Thursday Dec. 28, 2017 from 2-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Benedict the Abbot Church at 11:30 a.m. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. If desired, family suggests contributions to Medical & Health Services Foundation, Forbes Tower Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Ave @ Meyran Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213