Thomas G. Giles' Obituary
Thomas “Tom” Gerard Giles died on April 25, 2024 at 66 years old after a valiant fight against cancer.
Born on August 23, 1957, he was the loving and devoted son of Lucille Dorothy Giles (nee D’Agostino) and the late Thomas Muth Giles.
He is survived by his sons, Thomas “Tommy” Giles (Tammy), Benjamin “Ben” Giles (Nicole), granddaughters Lexi, Jayden, Taylor, and Kinsley, sisters Anna Johnson (James Johnson), Diana Stefano (Robert Stefano), former wife Janice Anderson (nee Loth), former wife Linda Stanziano, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to being proceeded in death by his beloved father, he also joins his cherished brother, Michael Luterancik as well as his grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins from his close-knit family.
Tom was dealt a lot of challenges in life – a tragic motorcycle accident nearly forty years ago, two bouts of cancer, a stroke, and countless surgeries – yet he remained eternally hopeful and warm-hearted toward the world. His life was measured by what mattered most to him – his loved ones – especially his sons and granddaughters.
Tom loved being part of the Pittsburgh community and all that entailed, including Steelers football, hunting season in the mountains, Isaly's ham BBQ sandwiches, and Iron City beer. He liked fishing, beach vacations, and camping. Tom adored animals, especially his beloved dog Zoey, who surely has been eagerly awaiting him on the other side. For many years, he worked in pet sitting and dog walking, which brought him great joy. Tom loved motorcycles, cars, playing cards, spending time outdoors, and having a good meal with loved ones.
In his final days, Tom was cared for faithfully by his sister Annie, who temporarily relocated with her husband Jim in order to provide him with the best care possible. Even though the end of his life was marked with aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, it was brightened with the warmth of his loving family who stood by his side whether in person or in spirit until the very end. Although everyone had hoped for a different outcome, Tom believed in heaven and knew one day he would meet his dad, brother, and other loved ones there again. By most estimations, Tom’s life was quite hard, but he never to let it harden him and always chose happiness.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, April 28th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236. Family members are invited to lay Tom to rest on Monday, April 29th at noon in the funeral home’s chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA, an animal rescue non-profit with a no-kill philosophy that rescues animals from cruelty and neglect, rehabilitates them medically and behaviorally, and places them with new, loving families at https://www.pspca.org/tribute-memorial-gifts.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jeffersonmemorial.com.
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