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THOMAS COLELLA Obituary
THOMAS M.
Age 83, died on December 21, 2017, of Peters Township. Beloved husband of Susan J. Colella (Kissler) and the late Florence M. Colella; loving father of Wendy Colella of Tulsa, OK and Betsy and Bill Raber; devoted grandfather of Mya and Callie McCue and Rachel and Alec Raber; son of the late Anthony A., (a.k.a Tommy Carlyn) and Rita M. Colella; brother of Brian (Patti) and the late Ronald Colella. Thomas was a graduate of Brentwood High School (1953) and attended Mercersburg Academy and Kent State University. Tom and his father founded Brian Homes in 1956. He became President of the family run business with his brother, Brian, at Vice President position. Since 1956, Brian Homes has built nearly 2,000 homes in the South Hills and surrounding areas. Tom also was a savvy developer for other local home builders. Tom had a storied career in auto racing and is considered by many as an icon of regional racing and noteworthy on a national level. Tom eventually took over as track owner and promoter of Heidelberg Raceway while still driving. He was honored as a Dapper Dan "Sportsman of the Year" as well as being inducted into the Stock Car Racing Circle Track Hall of Fame, the Western PA sports Hall of Fame for Auto Racing and the Brentwood High School Hall of Fame. He was a board member of Iron and Glass Bank for 22 years. Tom was an avid sports fan, longtime Steelers and Penguins Season ticket holder and was part of the 22 original Civic Arena Pittsburgh Penguin Season ticket holders. Tom wore many hats. He was an excellent deal maker, influencer, financier, and always had a vision for the next deal or project ahead. He enjoyed nature and all that it has to offer, biking, fine wine and was an avid golfer. Friends will be received at the JOHN F. SLATER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 412-881-4100 4201 Brownsville Rd., Brentwood, PA 15227 on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 from 2-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Benedict the Abbot Church at 11:30 a.m. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. If desired, family suggests contributions to Medical & Health Services Foundation, Forbes Tower Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Ave. at Meyran Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Please send condolences to www.johfslater.com.
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callie mccue
April 29, 2022
He was an amazing grandfather and I think about him daily . I miss him tons.
Jeanne Steinberg
January 13, 2018
Who was Tommy Colella to me? A mentor, a friend and a kind and gentle man. I met Tom in 1972. I actually bowled on a league with Flo for a few years (we had so many laughs). I watched the girls when they were young a few times and got to know the Colella boys and family while working for Brian Homes temporarily in the 70's. (Only when Mary was out lol). I was a single mom raising 2 kids in hard times. During that time Tom taught me to stand up for myself and be strong, fight to get what I want and most of all to be proud of my accomplishments and laugh at my mistakes. Always trying to fix me up with someone which was really funny. We were buddies, pals and closer than some of my girlfriends. I could come to him with any problem and he'd help me figure it out. He could tell me anything and know that it would go no further. We sure laughed a lot. I worked for Tom at the track as PR Girl to the VIP lounge and got to meet a lot of great people. I'm still friends with Jon Parsons Jr. because of Tom. I think he reminded me of my Dad who I lost at an early age. Whatever the reason, we remained friends for many, many years. Later in our lives, Tom came to Florida to visit and stopped to see me and my husband several times. We could go on and on talking about the track, the business and golf, he was a real mans man but we had a special relationship. We saw Tom shortly after he lost Flo (I still can't imagine his pain) and he told us all about what had happened. We kept in touch here and there, but lives change and people move on. I was certainly glad to hear that the girls were doing so well and Brian was successfully running the business. I actually talked to Tom on the phone the day before he got remarried. I was very happy for him, but sorry I never got a chance to meet his lovely new wife. Time passes but memories never leave us. So, RIP my friend...you will be truly missed by many, but you have left a piece of yourself as well. You will be remembered. #40
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December 28, 2017
Brian, and the Brian Homes family, I'm so terribly sorry to hear of your loss.
SUE BISI
(formerly of REX Glass & Mirror)
Karen Marshall
December 27, 2017
Appreciated Tom's knowledge about real estate and building. Know his memory will continue on with all of us. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and his loved ones.
Jeffrey Selvoski
December 27, 2017
Heartfelt Condolences to the Colella family. Tom was a great guy. May he Rest In Peace.
C T
December 26, 2017
You have my sincere condolences for your loss please find comfort from God's promises found in his word. John6:40
RON MASSARI
December 26, 2017
My condolences to Tommy's Family. Will always remember the good times at the local Country Clubs during and after competitive golf and argument in the Men's Grill. He was a real competitor and I wasn't surprised then or now to learn of his financial accomplishments. An impressionable friend. One in a million. Wish I could have done half what he did in life.
Dan and Sue Kukulka
December 26, 2017
Sue, Brian, Betsy, Wendy, and family,
Dan and I were saddened to here of TC's passing. He was a great man and a great employer for Dan's whole family. He helped us in more ways than can be expressed on this forum. We will forever be grateful to him and all of you. We hope that with his passing you will find comfort in knowing how much he was loved and admired. He had a great ride. If you need anything just call.
Richard and Kathy Harrison
December 25, 2017
We are saddened to learn of Tom's passing. Our prayers are for him and the entire family. Wish we could be there in person to share in his celebration of life but we will be traveling out of state this week.
December 24, 2017
God's speed Uncle Tom. Thanks for the convertible rides, trips to Kennywood, the evenings at the track and your advice. Rob
Luann Leroch/DeFife
December 24, 2017
Wendy and Betsy, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad (my cousin and Godfather)! I have nothing but good memories of your Dad and am sorry I will be unable to attend his service. You have our deepest sympathy.
December 24, 2017
My heartfelt condolences. God will give your family peace as you go through this loss. He said he is thinking thoughts of peace for us. Jer 29:11.
Ng
Ed Wintermantel
December 23, 2017
Tom's passing reminded me of a Pittsburgh Press experiment in which he participated in 1969. It was a tortoise-and-hare race to see how much time a reckless driver saves. Tom consented to play the villain, breaking traffic rules left and right in his car with a State trooper and reporter (me) as passengers. Another trooper and Press photographer Stewart Love were in the tortoise car. Tom won, but not by much, which was the safe-driving point we expected to make: Slow and steady is the way to go.
Good memories of a good sport.
December 23, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you strength during this difficult time. Philippines 4:13.
December 23, 2017
My sincere condolences to the entire family. I never met Mr. Colella but I remember attending the races at the Heidelberg Raceway when I was a young boy. I was back in the area visiting, last week and had breakfast at a\Kings in Heidelberg which had photos of the old raceway on their walls. He was a visionary and ahead of his time. He will be sadly missed by all who know him.
Dick Berardinelli
December 23, 2017
I remember Tom Colella. I remember his blue #40 car with Mighty Mouse painted on the side. I also remember that no matter where he started in the pack he always finished up front. In the late 60's and early 70's I spent almost every Saturday night at Heidelberg Raceway and he was the BOSS of that track. It's been almost 50 yrs. since I've been there but I remember Tom Colella as a great racer.
December 23, 2017
Betsy and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. I remember him as a driver at Heidelberg Raceway when I worked there. God Bless you all at this difficult time. May God's peace....and happy memories of your Dad bring you comfort
Darlene Yeager
December 23, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Colella family. May the family find comfort in reading Gods word. Psalm 68:20.
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4201 Brownsville Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
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