Thomas A. Kolat 1950-2024

Thomas was born in Youngstown, Aug. 3, 1950, son of John J. and Sophia V. Sadosky Kolat. Thomas lived in Coitsville since 1953.

Thomas graduated from Holy Trinity and North High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society at North and a four-year member of the North marching band, swing and concert band (serving as first sergeant his senior year). Thomas played alto saxophone, flute, organ and piano.

Thomas majored in elementary education at Youngstown State University and student taught at North. While at YSU, he learned the piano at the Dana School of Music.

Thomas was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Church, Struthers.

He received certification as a Catechist from the Diocese of Youngstown. Thomas was a Catechist at Holy Trinity for 25 years. He served as high school youth ministry and CCD, and was CCD principal and youth ministry coordinator and contact person for 10 years. At Holy Trinity, he served as a Confirmation instructor and sponsored six confirmation classes. Thomas was a choir member of Holy Trinity for 40 years. He served three terms on Holy Trinity Parish Council, where he took on the role of president. Thomas served as chairman of the Liturgical and Christian Formation Committee. Thomas was awarded 10-15-25 year Pius X. Thomas served as youth minister Catechist at St. Elizabeth Church for two years.

Thomas was employed in footwear retailing for 32 years throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio and Massachusetts. Thomas served as department, city, general and district manager, and worked for Lustigs-Crown, Zayre Footwear and Endicott-Johnson Shoes. Thomas retired from Exterior Credit Recovery.

Thomas was a former member of Coitsville Senior Citizens and past member of St. Charles employment support group, a member of Family Circle of the Passionists Sacred Heart Auto League and Society of the Sacred Heart Priest.

Thomas was devoted to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Blessed Mother Mary.

Thomas enjoyed singing, and playing piano, keyboard, and woodwind instruments, especially his alto saxophone. He enjoyed reading devotional prayer books, journal writing and listening to classical, religious and polka music.

Thomas was an avid swimmer and bowler. Thomas loved his crossword puzzles.

He leaves behind his niece, Karen Kolat Melnik, and nephew, Anthony “Tony” Kolat, who were his caregivers. Thomas was blessed with several nieces and nephews he loved with all his heart. He leaves his special friends, Andy and Marge Arendos, and Diane Janecko, as well as many others.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his brothers, Anthony and Joseph Kolat; his sisters, Sally Soos and Florence Bogdziewicz; nephews, Frank Jr., Bernard (godson) and Stanley Melnik; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family wishes to send a special thanks to the staff on the ICU floor at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and Dr. Hoffman.

In lieu of flowers and should friends desire, donations can be made to the family.

The Kolat family has entrusted its loved one to the care of Wasko Funeral Home and will receive family and friends 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, at the funeral home in Campbell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Christ Our Savior Parish-Holy Trinity Catholic Church, officiated by the Rev. Brian Cline. Everyone is invited to meet directly at church for Mass.

Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and leave condolences with the family.

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