Thomas L. Sever Sr.

Thomas L. Sever Sr., 88, of West Newton, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born Aug. 13, 1935, in Keystone, a son of the late Mirko and Mildred (Vargo) Sever. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine (Cefala) Sever, in 1989; two sisters, Margaret Sever and Helen Nalepa; and seven brothers, John, James, Walter, Frank, Paul, George and Joseph Sever. Tom was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army as a radar operator in the late 1950's in Germany and other European countries. He ranked as a sergeant. He was a member of the Herminie VFW Post No. 8427, and was also a member of St. Edward Church, in Herminie. Although he was very prideful of his family; especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was especially proud of his achievements in the nation's labor movement. Tom spent his career as a labor leader, locally at Teamsters Local 30, in Jeannette, and then nationally, at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, in Washington, DC, where he was the general secretary treasurer from 1991 to 1999. Tom's leadership led to White House visits and presidential acknowledgements. He was active politically in Washington, DC and in Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County. He loved the rural West Newton area where he gardened, farmed and raised his family. Being outdoors brought him joy and peace. He loved hunting, especially in Potter County, fishing and golfing. Tom is survived by his four children, Margaret Buban (Michael) Murphy, of Glenmoore, Pa., Josie Fletcher, of West Newton, Thomas L. Sever Jr. and Carole Sever, of Herminie, and Paul D. (Donna) Sever, of Cranberry Township. He is the proud grandfather of Nicole (Dan) Elzer, Dr. Elizabeth Sever, Kassady Sever, Thomas L. Sever III, Tyler Buban and Katie Sever and Jacob Sever. He is a great- grandfather of Ethan and Isaac Elzer. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Sever, of West Newton, and two sisters, Nancy Roshon, of West Newton, and Mildred McBeth, of Madison; and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends and neighbors. The family would like to thank AHN Hospice for all their love and compassionate care given to their dad. Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., 404 Sewickley Ave., Herminie, PA 15637, 724-446-7251, a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in St. Edward Church, Herminie. Interment will full military honors will be held in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Memorial Fund: Thomas L. Sever Sr. (fundraising.stjude.org), in memory of Tom. To send online condolences, please visitwww.nickelsfuneralhomeinc.com.

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