Thomas Edward Schiffgens

Thomas Edward Schiffgens, 83 of Kittanning, died peacefully at home with his family, on Friday, January 21, 2022.

He was the son of the late August and Bertha (Edwards) Schiffgens.  A graduate of Ford City High School, Class of 1956, he worked for the local telephone company before being drafted into the U.S. Army.  He first served in Germany and was later recalled to Fort Meade, Maryland, for a year during the Berlin Crisis.  After returning to our country from Germany, he finished his degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and taught social studies at Kittanning Senior High School until his retirement.

As a teenager, Tom found his avocation in photography when he received a small box camera as a gift.  While in Germany he attended classes at the Leica School of Photography.  Later he taught photography classes and worked at the camera store in Kittanning.  He leaves a huge collection of nature and family photographs as part of his legacy.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia (Smolik) Schiffgens; his children Erika (Thomas Smith) Schiffgens, and Scott (Hope) Schiffgens; his grandchildren, Jonah Schiffgens-Smith, Connor Schiffgens, and Sydney Schiffgens; his sister-in-law, Paulette (Smolik) Flaherty; his brother-in-law, William Jon Smolik and his companion, Dana Jack; and nieces and nephew, Kimberly Schiffgens, Kristin Antoszewski, Larry Schiffgens II. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Schiffgens; his parents-in-law, William and Eva (Elash) Smolik, and his brother-in-law, William Flaherty.  He will be missed by his family and friends.

As Tom was a regular blood donor, please consider remembering him by donating blood. 

We would like to express our gratitude to our family and friends for the love and support they have provided during this difficult time.  We would like to offer a special thank you to Dave and Linda, who were both so loyal.

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave.  A private blessing service will be held for his immediate family, with Father Alan Grote officiating.  The family is requiring masks for those attending the visitation.  

 In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Orphans of the Storm, P.O. Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201, or the Mechling-Shakley Veterans Center, 1413 PA-268, Cowansville, PA 16218.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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