Thomas A. Birk, Sr.

BIRK, Thomas A., Sr., 91, Parkhill, passed away February 15, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.  Born November, 14, 1926 in Conemaugh, PA, son  of Anthony J. and Bertha (Kalinyak) Birk.  Preceded in death by parents, wife Elsie (Grivensky) in 1998, married August 16, 1947, daughter Irene “Renee” in 1977, son Randy in 2008, son-in-law James F. Rosenbaum in 2015 and twin brothers Edward and John Birk. Survived by son Thomas A., Jr. and wife Veronica (Godish), Larry and wife Paula (Oleksa) all of Parkhill, and Sharon Rosenbaum of Nanty Glo and special friend Dennis Killian. Grandchildren, Melissa, Angela, Joy, Marsha, Jennifer, Michelle, Aaron and Matthew, 14 great grandchildren and special niece Ellen Witten and his faithful dog Sid.  Sister Irene and Husband Paul Lasagna, Parkhill, Brother William and wife Silvia, Kennedale, TX, sister-in-law Suzanne Birk, California, sister-in-law Aileen Birk, Kennedale, TX, brother-in-law Zigmond and wife Helen Grivensky, Youngstown, OH, sister-in-law Mildred and Husband Walter Witten, Parkhill and sister-in-law Dorothy Grivens Timonium, MD. Former President Chairman and consultant of the family owned and operated Birk Transfer, Inc which was established in 1918 which is the 100th Anniversary this year.  He was a former board member of the Transport Clearing East, Charlotte, NC.  Tom was an avid truck mechanic, body man and truck driver in his earlier days. He was also a local racecar driver back in the 50’s racing at many local tracks, and a NASCAR and Pittsburgh Steelers fan as well.  He loved to travel in his motor home with family and friends and he dearly loved sitting poolside at his pool with his family during the summer. He was President of the former East Taylor Township School District from 1960-1966.  Tom played a button box accordion for many years with the Johnstown Area Button Box Club and served as a past President.  He was also a Motor machinist Mate on the LST-980 during his Navy days serving during WWII. He also had a private pilot’s license at an early age learning how to fly from his father. Tom was a member of the Church of Transfiguration in Conemaugh and was an usher there for many years.  He was also a member of the SNPJ.  He was known as a very generous and kind man helping many people over the years.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and his many words of wisdom and wit. Friends received from 2 until 8pm Monday at Henderson-Makuchan Funeral Home, 434 First St., Conemaugh, where Vigil for the Deceased will be held. Funeral mass will be held Tuesday at 10:30am at Church of the Transfiguration with Rev. Robert Hall as celebrant. Committal, Sacred Heart Cemetery, where military rite will be conducted by Chas. Menoher Post 155 VFW Ritual Team. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Windber Hospice and the Cambria County Humane Society.

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