Thomas James 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 service of more than 30 years 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, going on to become a board member for the Pennsylvania State Chapter and countless other mental health groups on state and local levels.

On Nov. 19, 1960, he married Johann Cecelia Gibson Shade, who passed away Dec. 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 W. Chestnut St., Washington, Pa. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., Washington, Pa.

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

nealfuneralhome.com