Thomas J Benish Jr.

Thomas J. Benish, Jr., 72, of North Huntingdon, passed away on March 15, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1953, in Greensburg, a son of the late Thomas J. Benish, Sr, and Evelyn Dugan Benish. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by many aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife, Donalee (Baklarz), stepchildren, Natalie (Bruce) Jackson, Christopher (Carrie) Trunick, grandchildren Avi and Zoe Bunn and Caiden Trunick, nephew Matthew Rygelski, and Godson, Brent Jacoby. Tom enjoyed attending the 66th Troop Carrier Squadron Reunions with his father, Thomas, Sr., a highly decorated veteran of the 5th Air Force in the Southwest Pacific.

His love for dancing took him from the Disco days to transitioning to Ballroom when he met his wife. They were seen at dances in MI, Ohio, and PA. They also enjoyed drag racing in PA and Norwalk, Ohio. He was especially proud of his '68 Impala, the 'Stealth Bomber'. He shared his love of the outdoors with his grandson, Caiden, spending many afternoons fishing at Indian Lake.

Always mechanically inclined, Tom worked as an assembler for Elliott Co, as an Operating Engineer for Philadelphia Schuylkill Power Station, Ohio Valley Hospital, and Point Park University, where he completed his B.A. degree in HR Management.

Friends will be received on Friday from 5-8 PM in the Ott Funeral Home, Inc., 805 Pennsylvania Ave. Irwin, Pa 15642. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday at 10 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Irwin. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.ottfuneralhome.com. The family asks that no flowers be sent to the funeral home; instead, memorial contributions can be made to Family Hospice, 310 Fisk St, Pittsburgh, PA 15201