Thomas Leroy Widenhofer, 19, of 164 Portman Road, Butler, passed away peacefully in his home Friday evening surrounded by his family and friends.

Born Aug. 23, 1992, he was the son of Walter and Arlene (Thomas) Widenhofer.

Thomas was a 2011 graduate of Butler High School and was enrolled at Slippery Rock University.

He was a member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church and an alumnus of Butler Catholic School.

Thomas was an extraordinary young man who touched many lives through his six year crusade with brain cancer. He was a staunch supporter and advocate of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He was recognized for participating in pioneering research to find a cure for his disease. He served as a spokesperson for St. Jude fundraising events such as Champions for Hope, “Up Till Dawn” and the Pittsburgh Marathon. In addition to his work with St. Jude, he touched and inspired so many lives through his participation and work with First Descents, Relay for Life and Big Sky Kids Cancer Camp.

Thomas is recognized as the motivator and founding member of the Outdoor Experience 4 All, which takes children with life threatening illnesses and disabilities on outdoor experiences like hunting, fishing and camping.

Tom inspired many people to live their lives to the fullest. Never once complaining of his disease, he willingly shared his story with others. He taught others the meaning of life.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his two brothers, Tyler and Tanner; one sister, Tori Marie; his girlfriend, Liz Matteoni; his grandparents, James and Beatrice Thomas; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leroy Widenhofer Sr. and Ethel M. Widenhofer.

WINDENHOFER — Friends of Thomas Leroy Widenhofer, who died Friday, July 6, 2012, will be received at the Geibel Funeral Home, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church, 128 N. McKean St., Butler, with the Rev. Harry Bielewicz officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery, Butler.

St. Paul's Catholic Women will meet at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday at the church to recite the Rosary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Outdoor Experience 4 All, 12826 S. 38th Place, Phoenix, AZ 85044.