Photo courtesy of John V. Graziano Funeral Home, Inc.
Jeannette, Pennsylvania
Oct 22, 1983 – Jul 26, 2025
Thomas “TJ” Detruf, 41, of Greensburg, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025. He was born October 30, 1983, in Greensburg, a son of Thomas C. Detruf of Jeannette, and the late Pamela (Duckworth) Detruf. TJ was a self-employed Glass Glazer. He also enjoyed his assistant coaching job with the Penn Trafford Freshman Football Team. He was a member of the Ascension Church Jeannette. Being a father was one of TJ’s greatest joys, and he cherished his son with immense love and pride and loved watching him play football for the Hempfield Spartans. He also enjoyed golf, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
In addition to his father, TJ is survived by the love of his life for the past 25 years, and married the past 18 years to Jennifer Smolka Detruf; a son Dominic “Dom” Detruf; sisters, Debra Drylie Stiffey and husband Randy of North Huntingdon; Christina Harris and husband Matt of Fenton MI., and Maria Detruf Fajt, of Monroeville; his mother and father in law Carla and David Smolka of Greensburg; a brother in law Anthony Smolka, a sister in law Brittany Smolka, both of Greensburg; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 6 to 9pm Thursday in the John V. Graziano Funeral Home Inc., 228 North 2nd St. Jeannette. A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:00am Friday in the Ascension Church with Fr. Maximilian Maxwell as celebrant. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Hempfield Twp.
Read MoreSo sorry for the loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May T.J. Rest in Peace
Deb and Ed Kowalski
August 03, 2025
Worked with TJ years ago at Bolttech/Mannings one of the happiest people I've ever known, always smiling, willing to help anyone with anything. He will be missed by all.
Randy Wallace
August 01, 2025
My deepest condolences to Jen, Dom and the rest of TJ's family. TJ was a great person, he was a family friend and he also was my son's football coach. RWG
April Cox
July 31, 2025 | Jeannette, PA
May we always remember the great man that TJ was. My deepest condolences.
Sean Geoth
July 31, 2025 | Pittsburgh, PA | Friend
I’m so sorry for your loss I wish I could take your pain away my thoughts and prayers go out to you .. may God grant you peace knowing your son is safe in his kingdom
Rosella Tanyer
July 31, 2025 | Jeannette, PA | Friend
Thoughts and prayers to Jenn and Dom and the rest or the Detruf family. TJ was a great guy always had a smile on his face. I am so glad that I had the pleasure of knowing him through school and beyond. He will be watching down on you both.
Danielle Kramer
July 31, 2025
My deepest sympathy to TJ's family, friends, teammates and colleagues.
Renae Ruppersberger
July 31, 2025
So sorry to hear of the passing of TJ, remember his laughter and such a wonderful you young man, my Ashlee Dengler went to school with him. He is with our special Jesus, RIP, you will live in the hearts of many❤
Becky Dengler
July 31, 2025 | Jeannette, PA | Acquaintance
I will remember him as one of the nicest persons I know. So glad that God put him in our life. This is the way a father should be. Love this family they are the BEST!!
Kathy Lesko
July 31, 2025 | Greensburg, PA
