Thomas William Sterling III

Thomas William Wilburn Sterling III

November 12, 1947 – August 10, 2025

Thomas William Wilburn Sterling III, 77, of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with leukemia. Born in Savannah, Georgia, on November 12, 1947, to WW Sterling and Frances McGee Sterling, Tom lived a life marked by dedication to family, professional excellence, and community service.

A Life of Love and Partnership

Tom's greatest joy in life was his 57-year marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Cora Jayne LaFont Sterling. The couple met at age 14 and were married on January 27, 1968, in Union City, Tennessee. Their enduring love story became the foundation for a life filled with adventure, travel, and shared dreams. Together, they created cherished memories with family and friends that spanned decades, and explored the world through numerous cruises and trips abroad and at home.

Distinguished Career

A proud graduate of Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a law degree from Samford University Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, Tom built an illustrious 40-year career with United States Steel Corporation. Beginning as a management trainee at Fairfield Works in Fairfield, Alabama, in 1969, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision throughout his tenure.

Tom's career progression reflected his outstanding capabilities and commitment. He advanced from operations roles at USS's Fairfield Works Plant to Senior Vice President of Labor Relations in 1984, then Vice President of Employee Relations for US Steel Group in 1986. His responsibilities expanded in 1996 to include employee benefits and oversight of several joint ventures abroad. In 2000, he was elected President of Transtar, Inc., US Steel's wholly owned railroad and barge transportation subsidiary. He continued to rise through the ranks, becoming Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Business Services in 2003, with his role expanding in 2007 to encompass Enterprise Resource Planning, Public Affairs, and other Administrative Functions. He retired from USS in April of 2009.

Community Leadership

Tom's commitment to service extended far beyond his professional life. He served with distinction on numerous boards throughout the Pittsburgh area, including Chairman of the US Steel Foundation and Chairman of the Board of Directors of UPMC-Braddock. He was a dedicated member of the Board of Directors of UPMC McKeesport, the Greater Pittsburgh Council of the Boy Scouts of America (where he also served on the executive committee), and the Board of Trustees of Robert Morris University as well as a Circles Council member for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Passions and Interests

An avid outdoorsman, Tom was a passionate supporter of wildlife organizations and found great joy in fishing and golf. His love for nature and conservation was evident in his active involvement with organizations dedicated to preserving wildlife habitats.

In recent years, Tom and Jayne spent considerable time in Naples, Florida, where they built lasting friendships and continued Tom's tradition of community involvement through various local organizations.

Cherished Family Legacy

Tom's legacy lives on through his beloved family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cora Jayne LaFont Sterling; his daughter, Teresa Sterling Lickerman, and her husband Tod David Lickerman; his son, Thomas LaFont Sterling, and his wife Jill Marie Sterling; and three treasured grandchildren: Abigail Marie Sterling, Madison Marie Sterling, and Scott Sterling Lickerman. He is also survived by his brother, Kimball McGee Sterling, and his wife Victoria Annette Sterling, and his sister, Jill Sterling Howell (preceded in death by her husband Ron Howell).

Services

A private cremation and ceremony will be held for immediate family. A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 14th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST at St. Clair Country Club, located at 2300 Old Washington Road, Upper St Clair, PA 15241. Friends and family are welcome. Please RSVP to celebratingtom@icloud.com.

Memorial Gifts

Those wishing to honor Tom's memory may make gifts to the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center at https://hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift or the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands council at https://lhcscouting.org/giving/ as well as organizations that reflect his lifelong commitment to wildlife conservation and community health.

Thomas William Wilburn Sterling III will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, great friend, distinguished business leader, and generous community servant whose impact will be felt for generations to come.