Thomas Anthony Matty

Thomas (Tom) Anthony Matty died peacefully at home in O'Hara surrounded by family on November 18th, 2024. He was born July 3rd, 1958 at Monongahela Hospital in Monongahela, Pennsylvania. He was 66 years old. Shortly after graduating from Monongahela Valley Catholic High School in 1976, he began a true Pittsburgh mill career at Combustion Engineering with his father. He opened his own bar, Zachary's Pub, named after his nephew. After the mill closed, he began working for the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott as a Maintenance Engineer. His work led him west to Las Vegas, Nevada where he continued his career as a Maintenance Engineer at Summerland Hospital. After returning to Pittsburgh, he began working at Sterling Land Company in Oakland. It was then that he met his soulmate Terri in 1998. They began a life in partnership that brought new experiences to them both. Together they would spend time in Annapolis, Maryland at the annual boat show. The Seven Springs Wine Festival was routinely attended. There were many fun-filled times tailgating at Steelers games out of the back of Tom's Jeep. Annual weekends at Ogleby were enjoyed during Christmastime. He found joy in visiting Marco Island, Florida where many memories were had in The Apollo Condominiums, and later on Lamplighter Drive. Many crab legs were eaten at The Snook Inn, and there was no shortage of sunsets admired on Holmes Beach. Tom enjoyed floating in the pool on his well-worn noodles, seeking true tranquility. Tom and Terri's beloved Bichon, BJ (also known as "The Boy") would soon join their Florida trips, changing their travels from flying to driving, sight seeing each time. They expanded their Florida journeys to Anna Marie Island, dreaming of one day living there. In between their adventures, Tom nurtured an annual garden filled with tomatoes, various peppers, corn, onions, collard greens and herbs. He found joy in cooking for himself and others, exploring a variety of cuisines from Asian to Jamaican. Food Network was consistently played, always peaking his curiosity to experiment and learn new things. He dabbled in baking, making tasty muffins and various loaves and pies. Tom was known for his unconditional generosity and thoughtfulness, from offering his maintenance expertise to every house on the block, to driving neighbors to the hospital for the birth of their children. He kept in touch with beloved friends from every era of his life, spending hours talking on his flip phone reminiscing about Hilltop Bar Softball Team, The Jungle Club and Jerome's. Although not by blood, Tom was an incredibly loving father figure to Tricia. He attended years of dance recitals, chorus concerts, drives to summer camp, and birthday parties. Without question, he was always there to help Tricia in all her moves across Pittsburgh, Ohio, and Michigan. His dedication to both Terri and Tricia's lives was clear in everything he did. He is survived by his wife Terri Ruggeri, daughter Tricia Ruggeri (Olivia Ruth), brother Joseph Matty (Lois Hagen), sister in-law Valerie Myers, nephews Ian Matty (Kate) and Zachary Matty, and Nicholas Matty. He is preceded in death by his father Dominick Matty (1917-1977), his mother Marjorie Matty (1921-2020), his sister-in-law Carolyn (2020), and his beloved dogs Sadie (2004) and BJ (2020). A special thank you to Family Hospice for their kindness and compassion in supporting our family through this time. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home & Crematory Ltd; 930 Center Avenue Blawnox, PA, 15238. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Thomas Anthony Matty

July 3, 1958 - November 18, 2024