Thomas F. Salopek Jr.

Thomas Salopek, PHD, 81, of Wellington, FL, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. He was born in Universal, PA on January 23, 1933. After graduating from Penn Hills High School he served in the U.S. Army. He then went on to receive his B.S. from Cal. State Teachers College, a Masters in psychology from Duquesne University and a PhD from the University of Buffalo in NY. He worked as a teacher, a psychologist and an administrator for 3 counties for special education. After retiring in Erie, PA in 1982, he moved to Wellington, FL and continued working in education for another 20 years with the Palm Beach School District. After his second retirement, Tom worked for Wycliff Golf Course. Throughout his life, he traveled with his wife to most of the states and 39 countries. He enjoyed golf, woodworking and was a member of St. Rita where he served as an usher. Thomas's memory will be cherished his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary A Festa Salopek; children, Cindy (Greg) Guinn and Albert (Keely) Salopek; grandchildren, Alexei, Natasha and Drew; brothers, Daniel (Polly) Salopek and John (Mary) Salopek; along with many nieces nephews and friends. He was pre-deceased by Parents Anna and Thomas Salopek; daughter, Keely; and siblings, Albert, Pauline and Margaret. Thomas loved his family, faith and Pittsburgh Steelers. A visitation will be held from 7-9 PM on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Palms West Funeral Home. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held 11 AM on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at St. Rita Catholic Church. Following mass, Thomas will be laid to rest at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery with Army Honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donation be made in Thomas's memory to; Bee Understanding, http://donate.unitedcharitableprograms.org/SearchDetails.aspx?ProgID=101685 , the National Parkinson's Foundation, http://www.parkinson.org/ , or Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.