Thomas Bossler

Age 79, of Washington Twp., died Friday December 31, 2010. He was born January 22, 1931 in Johnstown, to the late Edwin S. and Louise Hite Bossler. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Rerko Bossler in 1993 and a son Michael J. Bossler (13 yrs. old) in 1977, and two sisters Betty Dwyer and June Bossler. After graduating from Johnstown High School in 1948, he entered the Naval ROTC program at the University of Louisville. He served as an officer aboard a “tin-can”, the USS Cogswll from 1953-1956 in Korean waters. After military service, he married in 1956, earned a Masters degree in Chemical Engineering in 1957 and began work with US Steel Research Laboratory in Monroeville, In 1966 he transferred to the Clairton Works and was a principal in installing the cryogenic processing of coke oven gas and also biological cleaning of waste water. He was named Chief Engineer at Clairton Works in 1975 and transferred to Central Engineering in 1980. He earned a Masters degree from Duquesne University in Biochemistry in 1980. He became Director of Engineering and Research and retired in 1998 after 41 years of service. Mr. Bossler was a past president of the Monroeville Toastmasters and a member of the American Legion, NRA, and VFW. He designed and with his son Tom, built an underground home in Washington Township.He is survived by his sister Edwina Bernat, a daughter Mary Louise (Don) Rugh of Gibsonia, a son Thomas (Barb) Bossler of Monroeville, a daughter Patricia (Fred) Schuler of Freeport, and a daughter Jennifer (Pete) May of Plum Boro; also survived by 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his dear friend and companion Helen Seibert. Friends received at the GENE H. CORL INC. FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATION CENTER OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (1 block East of Mosside Blvd.-Rte. 48) (A Golden Rule Member). Visitation Monday and Tuesday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.Mass of Christian Burial at St. Bernadette Church on Wednesday at 10 a.m., with Father Jim Salberg, as celebrant. Interment will follow in Good Shepherd Cemetery, Monroeville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Red Cross, Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, 225 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, are greatly appreciated.