Thomas John Bockius

Thomas John "Big Bock" Bockius
Age 56, of Canonsburg, originally of Newark, Delaware, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Tom was the beloved husband of 28 years to Lorie Bockius; loving dad of Hannah, Hayley, and Luke Bockius; son of the late John C. and Isabelle S. Bockius; dear brother of Edward "Ted" Bockius, and Carolyn (Gabriel) Jackson; uncle of Katherine and Victoria Jackson; son-in-law of Dolores Bubin and the late John Bubin; and brother-in-law of Barry (Janet) Bubin, Barbara (Ed) Uniatowski, Jeffrey Bubin, Debra (Robert) Harah, Douglas (Theresa) Bubin, Richard Bubin, Phillip Bubin, and John Bubin. Tom is also survived by 25 loving nieces and nephews, and their families; as well as his childhood friends – the Nottingham-Greene neighborhood crew in Delaware.
Tom graduated from Newark High School, and then earned his bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the University of Delaware. He went on to earn his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, and enjoyed a successful career as an operations executive in the manufacturing sector. Although Tom's work was important to him, he placed the greatest value in his family, his faith, and his community.
Tom was an athlete and coach. In high school, he was the Delaware state champ in the heavyweight division for wrestling. He played football at the collegiate level as an offensive lineman, and also served as captain of the football team. He coached Upward Sports through the Bible Chapel for many years-even before his own children were old enough to play-in everything from flag football, volleyball, basketball and soccer. He loved spending time with his wife and children, not just playing sports, but doing puzzles, playing board games, building Legos, and traveling.
Tom loved to lead others to Christ, and did so through mission work, by leading small-group bible studies, by serving as a Sunday school teacher, by leading men's ministry with his son, by helping others find meaningful work with Tent Makers, and much more. For his mission work, Tom traveled to Panama where he helped to build fences, buildings, and interacted with the orphaned children. Tom also was a generous financial donor to these causes that were so close to his heart. In life, he was a humble man, but he gave often and generously. Tom gave so much of himself through his work with the South Hills Bible Chapel and with the Washington City Mission, a homeless shelter for adults and children.
Tom's absence is felt profoundly by his family, who will forever cherish the many joyful memories they shared with him, and they take solace in knowing that one day they will be reunited with Tom in Christ's Kingdom.
Arrangements by BEINHAUER, 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, where friends and family are welcome on Friday, October 18 from 2-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. in The Bible Chapel, South Hills Campus, 300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA 15317. Please meet directly at the church. Immediately following the church service, Tom will be laid to rest at Woodruff Memorial Park, 2095 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. The family invites all in attendance to join them for a luncheon reception back at The Bible Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom's name are suggested to the Washington City Mission.
-