Thomas Newkirk

October 23, 1943 - January 11, 2019

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Newkirk, 75, announce his passing. He passed away peacefully with his daughter holding his hand in Raleigh, NC at 1:43 p.m. on January 11, 2019. Thomas was born on October 23, 1943 in New Castle, Pennsylvania. He was raised there by his parents Benjamin H. & Voletta M. (Dickson) Newkirk with his siblings: Harry J. Newkirk, Donnette Baehr, Lynda Lou Henry, Gay Smith & Michelle Lum. He was surrounded by numerous extended family members growing up. After high school, he joined the US Army where he served in Vietnam, retiring as a Master Sergeant after serving 20 years. Upon retiring, he moved back to New Castle and became a Steamfitter in the Local Union #47 with his father. Thomas retired from the union and drove engineers for the railroad for several more years. Thomas was an avid hunter and fisherman most of his life. Thomas loved spending time with family and friends, playing cards or board games, reading, watching movies, but above all else cheering for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, former wives (Martha K. Young and Patricia A. Golling) and his younger sister, Lynda Lou Henry. He is survived by his remaining siblings; his daughter, Sherry K. Cataldo; grandsons, Alexander G. and Logan A. Cataldo; nieces, Jessica R. Smith, Kyler K. Lum, and Jennifer R. Henry; nephews, Kainoa B. Lum and Aaron Henry; and numerous extended family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at Crosspointe Church, located at 6911 Carpenter Fire Station Road, Cary North Carolina on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. Burial arrangements to occur at a later date at the family plot in Pennsylvania.