Thomas J. Rush

Thomas J. Rush passed peacefully to go home to his Creator Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. Tom lived his whole life in Culmerville, worked for years at his family own Benke Motor Co., graduated from West Deer High School in 1966 and attended Marietta College. He retired in December of 2019 from the Westinghouse complex in New Stanton after 24 years. Tom enjoyed the love and support of many friends and family. He was always grateful to be able to help anyone who needed it. He truly loved being of service with a smile and always had the best of intentions (and a surprisingly funny dry sense of humor). One of his greatest loves in life were his grandchildren, Dillon Rush, Jonah Rush, Julian Rush, Samuel DeAngelis and Lyla DeAngelis, and the time spent involved with their sports, concerts, just hanging around, and having "dance offs" with his granddaughter. He also enjoyed visits with his nephew, Matt Rush. Tom never missed a chance to spend time with his son, Michael Rush; daughter, Marcy DeAngelis; and son-in-law, Keith DeAngelis. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his high school sweetheart and wife of 51 years, Bonnie Owcar Rush. Tom had a passion for softball, golf, hunting and fishing (not to mention Skittles and candy corn). Riding in his prized 2005 Mustang convertible was his way of relaxing. He was an avid fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams. His favorite programs were anything to do with overhauling vehicles, cooking shows (he always thought Bobby Flay was going to win!), and Hallmark Christmas movies. He enjoyed talking with friends at the Russellton Owl's Club and Culmerville Sportsmen's Cub, where he was a member. He is now reunited with his parents, Wilbur Rush and June Benke Rush; and brother, Edward Rush, who preceded him in death. He battled many health problems over the years, but despite being vaccinated, covid-19 was the one battle he couldn't win, even with the heroic efforts of the doctors and nurses at UPMC-Passavant Hospital. The family encourages everyone to get vaccinated, including the booster, wear masks, and exercise caution while this horrible virus still plagues us. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, in the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Township, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to West Deer VFD No. 1, 1520 Saxonburg Blvd., Tarentum, PA 15084. View obituary online and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com.