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It is with great sadness that the family and loved ones of Thomas Jay De Blasis, age 79, announce his passing after a brief illness on Monday June 29th in Pittsburgh PA.
Born in 1946 in Bellaire, Ohio, Tom graduated from Bellaire High School in 1964, and the Duquesne University School of Music with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education in 1968, and a Master's degree in Pedagogical Matters in 1970. He also was a member of the prestigious musical honor fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
A career educator, Tom was a music teacher at North Allegheny School District, and a guidance counselor, assistant principal and education administrator at Upper St. Clair School District.
He was an exceptional musician, excelling as a clarinetist, and was selected for the United States of America High School Band as a high school junior. He also was a member of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, a co-founder of the Beltones, a professional accordion player as a member of several dance bands, and an accomplished symphony conductor for several orchestras in Pittsburgh.
Tom was especially proud to be awarded a black belt in Sho-ha Shorin-ryu Karate at Shorin No Toro Dojo in Pittsburgh, studying under Sensei John Hamilton.
Survived by his son, Tom De Blasis, his granddaughter Zoe De Blasis, his brother John (and Cheri) De Blasis, and his fiance Paulette Zanotti, he was preceded by his parents John and Clara De Blasis.
A memorial celebration gathering will be held on Friday July 3, from 12-3 p.m. at the Fez Event Center, 2312 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001. As an alternative to flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to the Sons of Italy Uguaglianza Lodge 754 at 3348 Belmont St, Bellaire, OH 43906.