Thomas J. Obrokta
Thomas J. Obrokta, 70, of Saxonburg passed away Sunday at his home in Saxonburg.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Louise Obrokta; and his granddaughter, Olivia Claire Obrokta.
Tom was a proud graduate of Knoch High School and an accomplished member of Knoch's varsity football team. He was an avid hunter and fisherman for a large portion of his life.
Upon graduating from West Liberty State College, Tom, the grandson of Polish immigrants and the son of a proud coal mining father and loving mother, was the first member of his immediate family to graduate college. Upon graduating college, Tom built a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative, primarily in West Virginia, always ready to discuss the benefits of Actifed, Sudafed and Neosporin. Upon retirement, Tom returned to Saxonburg, the town he loved, less than a mile from the family farm on which he grew up. He visited his favorite restaurant, the Saxonburg Hotel, just days before his passing.
Tom's greatest passion, other than the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates, were his two sons, who he coached with great success in football, basketball and baseball throughout their Little League years. Transitioning from the stern coach to the lovable grandfather and great-grandfather was a transition Tom relished as well.
Tom is survived by his two sons, Thomas J. Obrokta Jr., and his wife, Diane, and Eric D. Obrokta, and his wife, Rosana; his grandchildren, Joseph, Katherine, Elizabeth, Isaac and William; and his great-grandson, Asher.
Tom also is survived by his brother, Richard; his sisters, Barbara Honzo, Louise Allen, Kathy Dougherty, Vicki Sacco, Laura Walter and Joanne Chamberlain; and many nephews and nieces.
OBROKTA — In accordance with the wishes of Thomas J. Obrokta, who died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016, there will be no visitation or services.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.The Fox Funeral Home, Saxonburg, is assisting the family with arrangements.For more information, please visit www.foxfuneralhomeinc.com.
