Thomas J. Locke
Thomas J. Locke, age 88 of Uniontown, Pa. and formerly of Arlington, Va. passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 with loving family by his side.
He was born on January 24, 1928 in Uniontown, Pa. to the late John D. and Mary H. Locke.
He was married to the late Nancy McGovern Locke who passed away on July 17, 1989.
Tom was a World War II Veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a Life Member of the Marine Corps League.
While living in the Washington, D.C. area, he was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community from 1958 until 1991 when he retired and moved to Uniontown to marry his 2nd wife, Shirley Johnson Ruane who passed away on August 19, 2012. While at Blessed Sacrament he served for several years on the Parish Council and was a Eucharistic Minister.
He retired from American Airlines and SATO Travel after more than 35 years. While with American Airlines, he was very active in Junior Achievements.
After moving to Uniontown and marrying Shirley, he became a Season Ticket Holder of the Pittsburgh Symphony and discovered his love of music (mainly because of Shirley).
Tom and Shirley enjoyed travelling internationally and was finally able to achieve his dream of visiting his Mother’s birthplace, Ireland (and the family formerly owned distillery).
He was thrilled to be back in his hometown for so many years and especially enjoyed his weekly lunch dates and his Friday Night Social Group.
He was a member of St. Johns the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church for many years, both in his youth and again after moving back to his hometown.
He loved his family immensely and enjoyed his many Grandchildren and Great Grand-children, but was especially fond of his Grand Dog Harley – who will dearly miss him!
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, John William Locke and James Heou Locke.
He is survived by his loving children and stepchildren: Karen Locke Cassell of Richmond, Va., Denise Locke Bates of Myrtle Beach, S.C., Thomas Ruane and Kimberly Biagioli and husband Alexander of Allendale, N.J.; grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Thomas P. Ruane and wife Sarah and Timothy Ruane, Matthew Barry and Meaghan Barry, William Evan Bates, and Morgan M. Bates and Adrian Biagioli, Francis Biagioli and Isabella Biagioli and great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Liam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including Veronica Horvath who was especially close and comforting in his final days.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME where the family will receive friends on Friday, November 11, 2016 from 5 until 8 p.m.
Visitation will continue in the funeral home on Saturday, November 12, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon when Prayers of Transference will be held.
A funeral mass celebrating Tom’s life will be held in St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church at 12:30 a.m. with Father James Tringhese as celebrant.
Interment will follow at a later date in Alexandria, Va. at Ivy Hill Cemetery.
The family suggests donations may be made in Thomas J. Locke’s to St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 88 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at adferguson.com or on the funeral home Face Book page