Thomas James Shade

Thomas James Shade, 93, of Washington, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026.

He was born February 2, 1933, in Altoona, a son of the late Francis Shade and Anna Plank Shade.

Tom was a graduate of Altoona Catholic High School and a graduate of Penn State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.He served in the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

Tom began his career with Jessop Steel in 1978 and retired in 1996 as a superintendent.In 1988, Tom began his faithful 30 plus year service as a member, supporter, advocate, and teacher for the local National Alliance of the Mentally Ill (NAMI) support groups in Washington county, also volunteering his time to both the Pennsylvania NAMI Chapter and National NAMI Chapter as well, going on to become a board member for the Pennsylvania State Chapter and countless other mental health groups on state and local levels.

On November 19, 1960, he married Johann Cecilia Gibson Shade, who passed away December 20, 2024.

Surviving are a daughter, Bernadette J. Stiffler (Jakob Brooks); two sons, Michael T. Shade (Cynthia DeCarlo), and Paul F. Shade; two grandchildren, Emily A. Stiffler, and Zachary T. Stiffler; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his wife and parents, are a daughter, Suzanne C. Shade, and a sister, Dolores Schuler.

Family and friends are welcomed to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in Immaculate Conception Church, St. James Parish, 119 West Chestnut Street, Washington. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to NAMI, in care of Tina Bails, 907 Jefferson Avenue, Washington, PA 15301.