Thomas D. McCracken

1943 - 03

Thomas D. McCracken, 71, of Upper Burrell Township, died peacefully in his sleep Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. He was known to friends and family as "T.Mac" He was born to the late David D. and Edna G. Ashby McCracken, on March 16, 1943, and was a graduate of Ken-Hi Class of 1961, and then graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in 1963. He worked for Sikorsky Helicopter in Stratford, Conn., before serving in the Army from 1964 to 1966 in the 25th Infantry Division. He was awarded the Air Medal of Heroism in May of 1966 during his tour of duty in Vietnam. After leaving the Armed Forces he resided in Upper Burrell where he was a life active member of the Upper Burrell Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, and held various positions. He was a lifetime member and trustee of the VFW Post 92 where he assisted with refurbishing the helicopter in the Vietnam Memorial. He also assisted with the Toy Run, participated in the Veterans Day Parade, driving other veterans in his antique 1950 Ford. Tom retired from ALCOA as a boiler mechanic in 1995 and worked as an assistant instructor, after retirement, at Forbes Vo-Tech in HVAC. He also belonged to the American Legion in Lower Burrell. "T. Mac" enjoyed the outdoors and spent time fishing, boating and camping on the Allegheny River. He had a love for animals and worked for a local veterinarian throughout his high school years. He also had a love for country music and oldies. He was most at home when seated on a tractor and took pleasure in helping neighbors and friends. Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Phyllis J. Haslett McCracken; daughters, Michelle L. McCracken, of Upper Burrell Township, and Heather R. (Brian) Colgan, of Lower Burrell; grandsons, Brady and Brennen Colgan; his sister, Terry Lyons, of New Mexico; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved Yorkie-Poo, Lacey. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Viewing will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday in ROSS G. WALKER FUNERAL HOME LTD., 217 Freeport Road, New Kensington, where a service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday by the Rev. Kirk Orr. Burial with military honors accorded by the Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Lower Burrell. The Upper Burrell Township Volunteer Fire Company will assemble in the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday followed by the VFW Post 92, at 3 p.m. Thursday to hold services for their late member. Those desiring may contribute to either the Upper Burrell Fire Company No. 1 or the VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell. To leave an online condolence visit http://www.rossgwalker.com.