Thomas J. Wanko

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on November 14, 2004:

Thomas Joseph Wanko, Jr Born March 22, 1928 - Died February 11, 2001 Thomas Joseph "Tom" Wanko, Jr. was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania on 22 March 1928 and was appointed to West Point from the 27th Congressional District. His West Point classmates recall: "Tom came to us from the mighty hills of Pittsburgh bringing with him an abundant supply of energy and gentle humor which falls on all of his associates. He has employed his dependability, resourcefulness, and conscientiousness capably in winning many friends and making his life a happy one. Tom, indeed, has what it takes for a brilliant future be it in the Army or in civilian life." During his cadet days Tom was with the Ski Club plebe, yearling, and first class years; was an Acolyte yearling, cow, and first class years; with the Chess Club yearling and cow years; on the Howitzer Staff plebe and yearling years; on the Duty Committee cow and first class years and was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation, Tom was unfortunately found physically disabled and was not commissioned. He of course received a Bachelor of Science degree in Military Engineering along with the rest of us. Tom passed on February 11, 2001 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tom had had respiratory failure and was on oxygen and using a motorized vehicle when he passed on from either respiratory failure or a heart attack. His widow goes by "Cathy." There are four children and two grandchildren. Thomas Wanko, III, Nancy, Jeffrey and Laura. The grandchildren, one girl, Samantha Jane age 8 and a boy, Zachary, born inOctober 2001. A funeral mass was held at the St. Thomas More Church on February 15, 2001. Interment followed at the Melrose Cemetery in Bridgeville. jac; 18131, wc 191 (10/13/2000)

admin