Thomas P. Benic

Thomas Benic, of Fox Chapel, died unexpectedly on February 14, 2026 after a series of medical complications that led to sepsis.

Tom had a long and varied career as a journalist, photographer and after retirement, a very active community volunteer.

Tom graduated from Washington & Jefferson College, and Northwestern University with a master's degree in journalism. After serving in Vietnam in the Army's 1st Cavalry Division as a reporter to the "Stars and Stripes", Tom returned to Pittsburgh and joined the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette. After a long career culminating in Suburban Editor for the zoned editions, Tom formed his own public relations firm of TP Benic and Associates. He remained active as a photographer, covering both Obama Inaugurations for United Press International.

After retirement, Tom became a very active volunteer, interested in a large array of charitable and civic causes. He was past president of the Rotary Club of Fox Chapel and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. At his death, he was the communication chair with a weekly bulletin, often writing to the members not just about the weekly activities but about the history of World War II, a life-long interest of Tom's. He was known to give long - sometimes unrelated to the current conversation - stories about his many interests as he judged that his audience needed to know these events. Unfailingly gracious and interested in almost any topic, Tom had friends in every walk of life and related to everyone. Anyone who ever met him, liked him, and he liked everyone -- he always had something to say, always positive, and he listened to all.

Tom had a life-long interest in many sports. He was a Sports Hall of Fame awardee at W&J College and also having gone to Pennsylvania High School championships in wrestling. He was an avid golfer at Longue Vue Club, always concerned about his handicap. His many friends will attest to his love and desire to know every nuance of the game. Very competitive all his life on the course with his younger brother Pat, but he did concede a three-foot putt. Tom was a devoted Pitt fan, attending many Pitt football and basketball games and never missing a chance to sing "Sweet Caroline." Friends and family will remember him as a frequent couch commentator for the Steelers and Pirates.

Above all, Tom was a devoted and loving father to Matthew and Shannon and husband to Barbara, his wife of 48 years. He was so proud of his children that you did not need to wait long to hear about their latest accomplishments. Tom and Barbara were a life-long team and shared a very close bond. If they weren't together, they were calling each other multiple times a day just to check in. He was (almost) always happy to agree with her ideas. He was also a dog dad, taking long walks with Bethany, their Airedoodle, who regularly ran away – just for the exercise. It's hard to imagine life without him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara Sullivan, his son Matthew and daughter, Shannon, brother, Patrick Benic and sister-in-law, Marilyn Sullivan-Cosetti. Also surviving, nieces, Kate Benic, Maura Cosetti (Mehta) and nephew, John Cosetti.

Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Sunday February 22, 2026 from 1-5PM. Funeral Monday February 23, 2026, Mass of Christian Burial St. Paul Cathedral at 10:00 AM.

In Tom's memory, the family asks that donations be made to the Rotary Club of Fox Chapel, PO Box 38452, Pittsburgh, PA 15238, Washington & Jefferson College, attn Scott McGuinness, 60 South Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301, or to the charity of your choice.