Thomas W. Westerman

Thomas W. Westerman, 71, of Arnold, passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was born on October 24, 1953, in Natrona Heights, PA, and grew up in Brackenridge. He is the son of Anna (Pavluchik) and George Westerman. He graduated in 1971 from Highlands High School and in 1976 from West Liberty State College with a degree in education and chemistry. He taught elementary education in the Highlands School District early in his career, later worked at Rittman Contracting, followed by 18 years in the chem lab at Allegheny Ludlum, and retired from Mercer Lime in Slippery Rock after 12 years as a chemical analyst. Even though Tom moved from the community where he was raised, he continued to serve those neighbors as a volunteer firefighter for the Highland Hose Fire Department, with over 40 years of service. He also organized and coached the Highlands elementary basketball program for many years, as well as helped with the Cager Classic basketball tournament since it began. He loved to golf and bowl, being proud to have achieved two perfect games in bowling. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and RV camping with his wife, most recently traveling to Maine, always building the best campfire. He could always be found on the sidelines of his grandkids' sporting events and school activities. He was a self-proclaimed "jack of all trades but master of none", willing to help family and friends with home remodeling projects or things that needed repaired. As the best husband, "girl dad", pap, brother, and friend, he will truly be missed. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jackie (Acre) Westerman; daughters, Mollie Westerman of Arnold and Julia (Ben) Foreman of Allison Park; two grandchildren, Danica and Zane Santucci; and sister Georgianna Westerman-Huet. He was preceded in death by his parents, his nephew Rene Huet, and his niece Kylee Acre. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Highland Hose Fire Department, Brackenridge, PA.

Friends will be received on Friday from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. The members of Highland Hose Company will hold services in the funeral home on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be private. To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.