Finney Funeral Homes
Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | March 12, 2026
Thomas Ayler Simms, III, 85 of Clairton, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the VA Hospital, Heinz Campus, Pittsburgh, PA, surrounded by his family. Tom, affectionately known as “Shorty,” was the son of the late Thomas Ayler Simms, Jr. and Helen Margaret Pollock Simms. Tom is survived by his younger sister Mary Lou Houy of Wilson, his son Thomas Ayler Simms, IV of Wilson, his daughter Avis (David) Oberdan of Lake Havasu City, AZ, grandchildren Nichele (Greg) Canavan of Duluth, MN, Ashley Puentes of Washington State, Devon (Victoria) Oberdan of Tucson, AZ, great grand-children Gage Canavan of Duluth, MN, Chase Birindelli of Washington State, with a new great grand-daughter arriving in July, and many nieces and nephews, and loving companion of 8 years, Norma Jean Napiecek of Wilson. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his niece, Melodie Andrisko. Tom proudly served in the United States Navy and was a Vietnam-era veteran, where he served for 4 years on the U.S.S. Coral Sea, CVA - 43. He was a member of the Clairton VFW Post 803 and Clairton American Legion Post 75, a lifelong car and motorcycle enthusiast from the time he was a teenager, he always enjoyed a good car or bike show. He retired as a Clairton Police Officer after serving for 20 years, but even after retirement, he was always ready to protect and serve. Tom lived life to the fullest with no regrets, always putting family first and maintaining relationships with many lifelong friends. He was a great story teller that had a lifetime of memories that he liked to share with those that he loved, especially if it involved sharing a meal together. Tom was loved and admired by all who knew him, and was a really great guy who loved life. He was widely known for a quick wit and a unique sense of humor that would brighten even the darkest day. Tom, “Shorty”, will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him, but will forever live on in all of our hearts. Family and friends will be received on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at S.M. FINNEY FUNERAL HOME, 432 N. 6th St, Clairton, PA 15025. Military honors will take place at the end of the first viewing period at the funeral home at 4:00 P.M. A service will take place at the funeral home on Monday at 11:30 A.M. to be followed by interment at Jefferson Memorial Park. Online condolences may be offered at www.finneyfuneralhome.com
Originally published March 12, 2026.
Other deaths:
"Dannette Thir" || "Barbara Jean Smith"
