Thomas "Tom" McCann von Geis

Thomas McCann von Geis, 64, passed away peacefully in his home on May 24th, surrounded by family. Preceded in death by his parents, Mary Jane (nee Dickey) & Paul E. von Geis, and brothers James F. & Paul E. Jr., Tom is survived by his sister, Ann (Michael) Albosta of Wilmington, DE, brothers Michael (Linda) von Geis of Penn Hills, and Peter (Amy) von Geis of Export; a daughter, Meghan von Geis (Jarod Boulden), and his grandson and pride & joy, Bruce Boulden, with whom he shared many a laugh over the last eleven years discussing episodes of The Three Stooges, rough-housing, and enjoying a good steak. Tom sure could drive, but not 55. He spent most Fathers’ Days at the Parts-A-Rama event each year in Butler. A self-taught mechanic and classic car aficionado, Tom could keep anything running, indefinitely – often to his daughter’s chagrin. Tom was generous with his tools, his time & his talents, and was a valuable asset to any blue-collar neighborhood. Over the years, Tom proved an instinctive leader in an emergency. Tom was the first to react, confidently and effectively. He had many close calls in life, managing to survive, among other things, a plane crash and two divorces. Tom never met a stranger, and when times got tough, he got by with a jukebox and a little help from his friends. Tom’s family honors the friendships he had with Bill Bunce, George “Whiskers” Norman, Michael & Michelle McCloskey, Rev. Timothy Patterson, and Lonnie & Beth Crispin, to name a few, and is grateful for the many ways in which they enriched Tom’s life. Tom’s friends were family, and his love ran deep. Tom sat vigil for several relatives and friends in their time of need. Tom muscled through struggles with alcoholism and even homelessness, but successfully sought help one night at Calvert Memorial Presbyterian Church in Etna, and was provided opportunity for a new start in New Castle, PA. Through the City Rescue Mission, and the incredible dedication of Tony Appugliese of Lawrence Co. Dept. of Human Services, Tom was able to regroup and start again, and just in time for his new role in life as “Pap”, for which Tom’s family is grateful. Tom loved animals. He was a dog guy. He was demonstrative, and often said, “I love you.” He will be missed, but not soon forgotten. They broke the mold, as they say, and we’re not sure if that’s necessary a bad thing. He was an original. Tom’s family is indebted to the caregivers of LIFE Pittsburgh, who enabled him to live the last year of his life on his terms, at home, with his dignity, humor and sarcasm intact. If you wish to honor Tom’s memory, the family requests anonymous donations to charities offering second chances in life. Interment and services will be private.

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