Thomas Earl Akins

Thomas Earl Akins, 78, of Mt. Lebanon and formerly of New Kensington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with two of his most treasured friends by his bedside, Clancy & Barbara Green.
He was born August 4, 1946 in New Kensington to his mother, Martha Jane (Heasley) Akins and his father Earl E. Akins.
Tom graduated from Ken-Hi in 1964. He played the trombone in the High School marching band and participated in the band's performance at Forbes Field. He then graduated from
Bethany College, in West Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He began his career path following his love of sports by becoming a sports commentator for High School football games on the Butler radio station. Tom then worked many years in sales of industrial building products for Pittsburgh Plywood and Distributor Service Inc. He made many friends with customers and co-workers. Customers spoke to Tom for his expertise or just to take a few minutes to chat. He was always friendly and treated everyone with respect.
Tom was a dedicated sports fan of all three Pittsburgh teams. He also enjoyed following golf and professional soccer on TV. He began golfing when he was a young boy and for many years, he was able to enjoy the game with his father Earl Akins and lifelong friends.
Tom was an avid reader and loved researching topics of interest and discussing history, sports and politics. He was a sharp "couch contestant" on all the popular TV game shows and would have made a worthy competitor had he applied!
Tom was a soft-spoken, patient, kind hearted man who loved sharing Sunday brunches with family and afternoon lunches with his golf buddies and longtime co-worker and friend Clancy. We will all miss his wealth of knowledge in many topics and his funny sharp wit and love of a good joke.
He had a special place in his heart for all dogs. He never missed watching the Westminster Dog Show and would often laugh at some of the comical antics and breeds of dogs in the world.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to his longtime coworker and friend Clancy who was there for Tom during his recent illness and passing. And for the visits and encouraging calls from his golf buddies. Also, a heartfelt thank you for the tireless care and compassion he received from the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Clair Hospital for doing everything they could to give hope and comfort to Tom while he was there.
Tom leaves behind many family members and close friends. May his memory be a blessing to all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to your favorite animal shelter in memory of Tom.
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A private burial will be held in Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burrell at a later date. ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., of New Kensington was entrusted with his care.
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