Thomas Andrew Joseph

Thomas Andrew Joseph, 72, passed away Monday, May 31, 2021, after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma, a brain cancer. Born March 30, 1949, in New Kensington, he lived his entire life in the area, graduating from New Kensington High School (Ken High) in 1967. He obtained a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Mt. Union College in Alliance, Ohio, where he was also a member of the golf team and Sigma Nu fraternity. Tom continued his schooling, earning a Master's degree in elementary education as a reading specialist from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He retired after working 35 years for the New Kensington Arnold School District, teaching more than 3,000 students how to read and helping countless others discover the joy of learning. During his tenure as a teacher, he spent years leading the Teacher's Union as its president. Tom also grew and managed the IU7 Federal Credit Union as its CEO, using the outlet to help people as well as educate them on financial aspects. His greatest joys were spending time with his family, playing golf and working in his yard. He was a devoted husband, wonderful brother, supportive and loving father/pap/jiddu and friend to everyone. His willingness to help people and always see the bright side is something that has left a lasting impression on all that knew him. He had the utmost integrity and compassion, setting a wonderful example of how to love unconditionally and embrace the full vibrancy of life. His kindness, honesty and empathy were guiding principles that drove how he lived his life and treated others, always equally and fairly. This illness did not define him, it only emphasized that time is precious and each day is a blessing. He will be truly missed but never forgotten as this world was a better place because he was a part of it. His children and grandchildren will strive to carry the torch he passed, spreading the kindness, love and compassion that embodied his soul. Thomas is survived by his wife of 25 years, Victoria Joseph; brother, Daniel (Lois) Joseph; daughters, Lindsay (Michael) Yurchick and Melissa (Adam) Green; grandchildren, Chelsey (Andrew) Davidson, Jayonte Jackson, Leah and Tyler Yurchick and Michael Green; great-grandchild, Karter Davidson; nephew, Robert (Allison) Joseph; along with his best dog friend, Milo, and countless other cousins and family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Maryellen Joseph. Please consider a donation in Tom's memory to the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, Daniel W. and Mary Ellen Joseph Family Scholarship Fund, 41 W. Otterman St., No. 520, Greensburg, PA 15601. Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday June 3, 2021, at ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington. Burial services are private. The family would like to thank the medical staff at UPMC Shadyside and St. Margaret, the Orchards of Saxonburg and Monarch Hospice who took this journey with us and showed compassion and care every step of the way.

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