Thomas F. Price Obituary

Thomas F. Price attended Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, PA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Thomas F. Price.

Graduation Year	Class of 1962
Date of Passing	May 23, 2025
About	Thomas Finley Price died, on May 23, 2025, as he lived: On his own terms, at home, quietly and peacefully slipping away after many years of illnesses that ravaged his body. With every health challenge he faced, he fought back and rebounded, seemingly invincible, until both his body and his spirit knew it was time to move on, a reality he faced with acceptance, grace, and peace. He and those who love him were given a precious gift – time to spend together and prepare, reminisce, and say all that needed to be said, including a lifetime of I love yous. In his final hours, he heard from those he loved and transitioned knowing how loved he was and how much he would be missed. Tom was born to Edna and Joshua Price on September 9, 1943, in the small Western Pennsylvania town of Avella, where his childhood adventures revolved around his beloved dog Schultz and brothers Barry, Billy, and Jimmy. Legend has it one of his brothers, on a day of mischief he so fondly recalled many times, accidentally tried to tip a buck instead of a cow, leaving the brothers scrambling for safety. He graduated from Chartiers Valley High School in 1962, carrying with him happy memories for decades, especially of scoring the highest grade in the class on a biology exam, and just two years later, at a community dance, he met Donna, the love of his life, who lovingly cared for and stood next to him for nearly 57 years until his final moments. He became the treasured husband of Donna, son of Margaret and John Pancurak, and brother-in-law of Cheryl Pancurak on September 28, 1968. Together, he and Donna built a life that included two daughters, Beth and Lynn, a granddaughter, Carys (Beth), and beloved pups Daisy, Patches, Peaches, Rika, and Scarlett. After graduating high school, Tom worked at several Pittsburgh-area radio stations, including WIXZ and WPNT. However, true to his independent spirit, he wasn’t satisfied working for someone else. He did things his way no matter what anyone said. Long before computers, the internet, and online courses, Tom became a self-taught tax preparer, eventually founding a successful tax preparation and consulting business he ran for decades. While he was known by many as the neighborhood tax man, he was just as well-known for his love for the Steelers. Tom faithfully, and often loudly, cheered on the Steelers, watching every minute of each game, even in the most dismal seasons and no matter how sick he was. His love of the Steelers made gift giving easy – if it had the Steelers logo, he would wear it or display it in his office, car, or wherever he and others would see it. His love for the Steelers was only rivaled by his love of The Three Stooges and MAS*H, the latter of which he watched so frequently that even his family unwittingly memorized most episodes. He only wanted a few French fries or pieces of popcorn when offered to him but, then giving into his sweet tooth, would devour it all, leaving the bag and our stomachs empty, and us laughing at his definition of “just a few.” He was the king of dad jokes that often left us groaning or rolling our eyes, but he always managed to come up with a believable April Fool’s joke (there are horses running down the street) that we’d fall for. Tom’s loyalty was, first and foremost, to his family and friends, and he visited his beloved mom, Edna, every week until her death in 1995. Traditions were a big part of the family – Fourth of July picnics and fireworks at Idlewild Park, Sunday visits at his parents-in-law’s house, and anniversary celebrations with Donna. He never missed a Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday, or anniversary. John and Margaret said many times they loved him as their own son, and a man of few words, he replied with action, always helping when needed, usually without being asked. He regularly visited Donna’s Uncle Marty in his final years, where the two would yuk it up. When his only grandchild, Carys, was born, he was at the hospital and one of the first to hold her. He kept all of her drawings, and they and her photos still decorate his office. He was an amazing grandfather who proudly pushed her stroller around the mall, buying her books and her treasured doll Annie, when she was a baby, and accompanying her to a father-daughter dance in elementary school. Even in his last days, his face lit up with a huge smile and he said hi and talked to her when she visited. It’s hard to describe the life of someone who meant so much to so many in only a few words, but ultimately, Tom left those who loved him with a lifetime of memories and the comfort of knowing he was at peace with his transition. His only worry about leaving was his beloved wife, Donna, who cared for him through his many years of illnesses, spending hours each day bedside at the hospital, learning how to care for a chronically ill spouse, and lovingly caring for him at home until his final moments. Before that, they shared a happy life that included evening walks with their dogs, traveling to DC, Virginia, and Connecticut, trips to the casino, dinners out, and quiet afternoons watching golf. Tom leaves behind Donna, his beloved wife of almost 57 years, daughters Beth Price-Williams and Lynn Price Robbins (Beau), granddaughter Carys (Beth), brothers William, James, and the late Barry Price, and sister-in-law Cheryl Pancurak. Special thanks to all those – including nephew Jeff, friend Mike, and nurse Gina – who kept in contact with us and sent their best wishes during his many illnesses.