Thomas R. Golden Jr.
Thomas R. Golden Jr., 91, of Canonsburg, passed away peacefully Monday, June 10, 2019, in Paramount Assisted Living, McMurray, in the loving arms of his beloved wife, Bert, and family.
He was born March 17, 1928, in Canonsburg, to Thomas R. Golden Sr. and Beatrice Dodd Golden, who preceded him in death.
On April 26, 1947, he married the love of his life and soulmate, Bertha Dixon, who survives. He was passionately devoted to his wife and they had an incredibly close relationship throughout their 72 years of marriage.
Thomas was Episcopalian by faith and a member at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, and he worked diligently with Pastor David Kinsey in his early years forming the acolyte program.
Thomas was a United States veteran, having served his country honorably in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War on such vessels as the NTC Sampson, USS Mississippi, USS Chemung and the USS Dashiel, receiving several medals/ribbons such as the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign, Good Conduct Medal and Naval Reserve Medal.
He was employed as a crane operator by Fort Pitt Bridgeworks for 12 years and then was employed by McGraw-Edison in Canonsburg for 22 years, having retired in 1980.
In addition to his wife, best friend and love of his life, Bertha, he is survived by three children, Richard A. (Paula) Golden of Canonsburg, Keith T. (Melanie) Golden of Carmichaels and his only daughter, whom he called his princess until his end, Diane L. (Daniel) Shento of Finleyville. Thomas also had six grandchildren, Eric (Kristy) Golden, Pam (Jeff) Jox, Matthew (Elizabeth) Shento, Mark (Rachel) Shento, Timothy Golden and Dawn (James) Robben. He also had a daughter-in-law, Terri (Starkey) Golden. From there he had seven great-grandchildren, Jarod and Garrett Golden, Morgan and Allan Jox, Julia Shento, Benjamin Shento and Annabelle Robben.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by two brothers, William and James; two sisters, Mary Alice and Anna May; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in law.
Tom always wanted people to call him “Tom” and not Mr. Golden. So, throughout his different stays in hospitals, with his physician’s office and the hospice team he would also be correcting them and saying, “Mr. Golden was my dad, call me Tom.”
At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation. A private burial will be held in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, 1158 Morgan Road, Bridgeville, with full military rites accorded by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 191 of Canonsburg and the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Arrangements are entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Joseph P. Salandra, LFD, supervisor/owner, Darla A. Tripoli, LFD, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, 724-745-8120.
To view or leave condolences, visit www.salandrafuneralservice.com.