Thomas Stanley Laurine

Thomas Stanley Laurine, 84, of Canton Township, died Tuesday, November 4, 2008, in Standish Assisted Living, Amwell Township. He was born March 10, 1924, in Wyano, Westmoreland County, the fifth of six children born to Joseph and Sophie Michalek Laurine. Mr. Laurine resided in Washington since 1925, and attended Wolfdale and Washington Schools. He worked at Tygart Valley and Brockway #7 glass companies for 40 years, retiring in 1982. During World War II, he served in the Western Pacific Campaign with the Army, Battery C, 501st Anti-Aircraft Artillery Gun Battalion. His military service also took him to Hawaii, Saipan, Tinian, Mariana Islands and San Jose. For his service, Mr. Laurine was awarded the American Theater Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal with one bronze star, a Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. After being discharged on February 7, 1946, he returned to work at the glass factory as a crew leader in the box department. He enjoyed working on the farm, traveling with Bill Litman to pick up trailers, and helping at his son’s business. Although retired, he put a lot of time and hard work into helping his son, Ron, at LSI, Inc. and contributed greatly to the company’s success. Many customers looked forward to seeing Tom when he delivered equipment for the company. Mr. Laurine was a member of St. Hilary Church. On June 5, 1948, in St. Hilary Church, he married Caroline Reichert, who died April 11, 2001. Surviving are two sons, John T. and wife Kim Laurine of Washington and Ronald C. and wife Beth Laurine of Amity; two brothers, Larry of Alabama and Bob of Maryland; two grandchildren, Kristy Lynn and Kelsey Renee Laurine; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased, in addition to his wife, are a brother, Richard Laurine; and two sisters, Violet Hollihan and Gertrude Stavovy. Friends will be received 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 to 11:30 a.m., the hour of service, Tuesday, November 11th, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. Burial will follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, McMurray. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of the Washington Hospital, 155 Wilson Avenue, Washington PA 15301; Washington Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 66, Eighty-Four, PA 15330; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.