Birckbichler Jr.

Thomas G. Birckbichler Jr., 62, of Chicora died Saturday at VA Butler Healthcare following a lingering illness.

He was born March 7, 1947, in Butler, the son of the late Thomas G. Birckbichler Sr. and Virgina Weiland Birckbichler.

He was a graduate of Butler High School and studied two years at the Educational Institute Drafting School of Pittsburgh.

He loved to garden and share his produce with his many friends and neighbors. He always helped at the Donegal Grange Dinners and, along with Harley Flick, helped many in the Chicora area.

He was a member of St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church and always kept the ballfield mowed.

He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, achieving the rank of staff sergeant and served in Vietnam. He was a life member and was the current vice commander of the Chicora VFW and the Chicora American Legion.

He also was a member of the Chicora Moose Lodge.

After eight years in the service, he worked in construction, first with his uncle, Robert Weiland, and later with Mike Zanella.

Surviving are his mother, Virginia Birckbichler of Butler; one son, David L. Birckbichler of Fayette County, one stepson, Howard "Sonny" Barnes of Chicora, who lived with him; three grandchildren, Destanie, Deanna and David Birckbichler Jr.; one step-granddaughter, Kylie Barnes; two brothers, Richard Birckbichler (Jane) of Lewisville, Texas, and Roy Birckbichler (Denise) of Charlotte, N.C.; one sister, Rosemary Mason (Marc) of Phoenix, Ariz., a number of aunts, uncles, nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Hays Birckbichler, and his father, Thomas.

<B>BIRCKBICHLER</B> — Friends of Thomas G. Birckbichler, who died Saturday, May 16, 2009, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the <B>THOMAS M. STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME</B>, 111 E. Slippery Rock St. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Wendelin Roman Catholic Church, 210 St. Wendelin Road, Butler, with the Rev. Steven Neff officiating. Burial will be in St. Wendelin Cemetery.The Chicora Moose will conduct memorial services at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted at the church by the Chicora VFW, the Chicora American Legion and the 99th Regional Readiness Command of Coraopolis.For information, directions or to give condolences to the family, go to www.steighnerfuneralhome.com.