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Longtime South Fayette commissioner Tom Sray dies

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Sray served on the township commission for 20 years and was a past president. He who did not seek re-election in 2013, and was honored in 2014 by the township for his long service, with the naming of the Thomas J. Sray Municipal Building.

Sray, who had used a wheelchair since 1991 because of a construction fall that fractured his spine and left him paralyzed, was known throughout the township for his helpfulness and positive attitude. He made almost every meeting during his two decades as an elected official. He was also an avid hunter who regularly participated in deer hunts for the disabled.

“Tom will without a doubt, be missed,” South Fayette Township manager Ryan Eggleston said. “I will never personally forget the smile on his face and the positive can-do attitude with which he approached life every single day.”

Joseph Horowitz, president of the township commission, agreed.

“Tom Sray was an incredible person,” he said. “He inspired me to be a better commissioner through his personality and hard work. He dedicated his life to making South Fayette great. Without him, South Fayette would not be the great place it is today. Tom Sray will be missed, but his contributions to South Fayette will live on forever. He overcame so much and inspired so many people to work harder and live better.”

Sray was a member of the Cuddy Sports Club, Cuddy Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Alpine Club.

He leaves behind a wife, Beckie; two daughters, Melissa Bardo and Nikki Bilodeau, and four grandchildren.

Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20 at the Warchol Funeral Home Inc., 3060 Washington Pike Bridgeville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 in St. Barbara Church, Bridgeville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Lois Pope Life Center, Miami, Fla. 33136.

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