Thomas Michael Knodle

Thomas Michael Knodle, 71, of San Dimas, Calif., formerly of Washington, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2025, following complications from a brief illness. Born March 7, 1954, Tom was the eldest son of the late Irene J. Lenco and Richard C. Knodle. He attended John F. Kennedy Grade School and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1972. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Waynesburg College in 1976, followed by a second degree in Computer Science from Point Park College in 1986. Tom began his professional career with roles at General Nutrition Corporation and Allegheny International in Pittsburgh - positions that gave him the opportunity to travel to London and Sydney. Inspired by his sisters, Tom moved to Southern California in 1984. His skills in finance and computer science led him to a position in auditing at Rohr Industries in San Diego. In 1988, he accepted a role as internal audit manager at the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif. He later transitioned into the banking sector, serving as vice president and EDP auditor at Indymac Bank, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, where he remained until his retirement in 2017. Tom's career and travels allowed him to pursue many passions. A gifted photographer and certified Master Scuba Diver, he fulfilled lifelong dreams by diving the Great Barrier Reef and having his photography honored in a Pasadena art show. While working at Indymac, a trip to Mumbai, India allowed him to explore and photograph landmarks including the Taj Mahal. A natural athlete from a young age, Tom played Pony League baseball and football. He was a standout on the JV and Varsity basketball teams at Immaculate Conception High School, where his height and talent earned him a place among the top scorers his senior year. He also played basketball during his freshman year at Waynesburg. He was an enthusiastic left-handed golfer, playing regularly with the Mountain Meadows Men's Golf League and as a member of the San Dimas Country Club. A lifelong fan of fast cars, Tom proudly owned a 1972 banana yellow Corvette with brown leather interior. He and his sister, Jane often shared their love of racing, attending dragster events, the Long Beach Grand Prix, and numerous NASCAR races. Among his most meaningful commitments was his 30-year involvement with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. In 1995, he was matched with a six-year-old boy named Eric, who remained a part of Tom's life until his passing. Today, Eric is a successful entrepreneur, husband, and soon-to-be father, who credits much of his life's success to Tom's guidance and friendship. Tom also served for a decade on the organization's Board of Directors, continuing to give back to the community that meant so much to him. Tom is survived by his sisters, Trish (Art) Vlastnik of Cardiff-by- the-Sea, Calif., and Jane Crewe of Plano, Texas; his brother, Joseph (Lisa) Knodle of Canonsburg; niece, Karina (Jack) Bool of Los Angeles, Calif.; nephews, Scott (Marjolijn) Vlastnik of San Diego, and Joseph Ross Knodle of Canonsburg. He is also remembered by an uncle, several aunts, many cousins, and a grand- niece and grand-nephew. He was preceded in death by his sister, Casimir Anne Knodle (1975); and his parents, Irene J. (2021) and Richard C. Knodle (2009). Friends will be received from 10 to 11:30 a.m., at which time a memorial service will be held, Saturday, July 19, in the Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington. All other services are private. In place of flowers or cards, the family kindly requests donations to Catholic Big Brothers Big Sisters, Los Angeles, 1530 James M. Wood Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90015; or to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html. Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor, Andrew C. Piatt, director.