Michael Thomas

Funeral services for former Plum and Saxonburg borough manager Michael Thomas, who was killed during last week’s explosion on Rustic Ridge Drive, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23, at St. Raphael Church in Pittsburgh.

Thomas, 57, was one of six who died in the explosion, which took place in the Plum neighborhood Aug. 12. He was in the home that exploded, which belonged to fellow Plum borough employee Heather Oravitz.

Oravitz, Plum’s director of community development, was also killed in the blast. Her husband, Paul, initially survived and was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, but succumbed to his injuries Aug. 16. Casey Clontz, his son Keegan, and Kevin Sebunia also died in the blast.

Thomas’ own home was next door and was also damaged in the explosion. Thomas’ wife, Jacqueline, and daughter, Hannah, along with their dog, were in that home at the time of the blast.

According to a report from WPXI, Jacqueline was able to escape through a window while Hannah and the dog also made it out.

“Outside of the office, his devotion was to his family, his girls. The light of his life, Hannah could count on her Dad to be at every soccer game, cheering on her and her teammates. Being there for people was simply what Mike did,” according to an obituary for Thomas by Soxman Funeral Home in Pittsburgh.

A Facebook page set up by the Thomas family thanked the community for the support they’ve received.

“The Thomas Family would like to thank everyone in the Plum community for all of their love and support while we come to accept the loss of our beloved husband, father, brother, and friend- Michael Thomas,“ an Aug. 17 post said. ”We are truly humbled by the generosity of each and every one of you who have prayed for us, donated, and sent messages of condolences.“

Before taking the position of Plum borough manager in June 2005, Thomas served in the same position in Saxonburg from April 2001 to October 2004.

Under his watch, Plum borough enacted a brand-new, $20 million municipal building that opened in November 2022. Thomas also has been credited with growing Plum’s Summerfest community event and youth soccer programs.

Thomas was remembered in his obituary for his “no nonsense approach” to tackling projects and “unending reliability.”

The obituary also called Thomas a “self proclaimed foodie” known for his “world class Italian cuisine.”

“The memories of his homemade meatballs, carefully prepared sausage, and one of a kind Sunday sauce will forever serve as a blessing to those who broke bread with him over the years,” the obituary said.

The Rev. Kevin Poecking will preside over Thomas’ service. A private entombment will follow.

People are encouraged to make donations to Plum Rotary, Oakland Catholic Soccer or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.

Assignment editor Tracy Leturgey contributed to this report.