Thomas R. Gravely

Thomas R. Gravely, 83, of Arona, PA died Monday May 27, 2019 at Excela Westmoreland Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born August 15, 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA, the adopted son of Raymond C. and Ruth Kimmel Gravely. After graduating high school, Tom went on to become a heavy equipment operator for the Local 66 Operating Engineers, where he was a member for over 60 years. He was the owner of and operator his own company, Gravely Ditching, and also worked as a driver for Adesa of Pittsburgh in New Stanton, PA. Tom joined the Masonic Youth Foundation, DeMolay at 12 years old. He was a proud member of The Free and Accepted Masons Greensburg Lodge #225 for over 60 years. Tom loved working on and tinkering with vehicles. He loved Nascar races, having attended the Daytona 500 multiple times. He was an avid bowler, winning over 20 trophies in league bowling. He also enjoyed teaching his grandsons about automobile repairs and general life skills, using your hands to build. Tom was an active member of the Arona community, where he lived all his life having been the towns police chief, councilmen and snow removal/pot hole person. He was a member of the Arona United Methodist Church, later attending services at the Nazarean Church and recently at Victory Chapel. He loved playing softball for the Arona United Methodist Church league, where he was often the oldest player on the field. He is preceded in death by both parents and his loving wife Ruth A. Gravely. He is survived by three sons – James A. Gravely of Arona, PA., Raymond F. Gravely and Thomas W. Gravely, twelve grandchildren, four nieces, one nephew and one very special niece – Brenda Montrose and husband Jerry of Elizabeth Township. Friends will be received on Thursday May 30, 2019 at the Beatty-Rich Funeral Home, Inc. Rt 136 Madison, PA from 10 am – 2 pm. A Masonic Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 1pm on Thursday. Services will take place at the funeral home at 2 pm on Thursday with Rev. Randy Sweet officiating. Interment will be private.

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