Thomas J. Abate Sr., Memorial Drive, Farrell, passed away unexpectedly at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday (12-9-14) in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System following a brief illness. He was 84. Mr. Abate was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Sharon, a son of Achille and Maria Abate. A lifelong area resident, he graduated from Farrell High School in 1948. He was employed at the former Sharon Steel Corp.'s Farrell plant for 43 years as a railroad brakeman. Mr. Abate reached the rank of corporal in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska for 18 months. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5286, Farrell. In his earlier years, he enjoyed bowling in his league at 10 Pin Alley, Hermitage. Tom enjoyed tending to his yard and his garden in his spare time, and he also enjoyed his morning coffee with the guys on Mondays and Wednesdays. He loved spending time with the family dogs: Bruno, Summer, and Jorja. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church-St. Ann's Church, Farrell. His wife, the former Donna L. DeMarco, whom he married May 21, 1960, survives at home. In addition to his wife, he is survived by: two daughters, Christine A. Lombardo and her husband, Phillip, New Castle, and Deborah A. Stewart;, Hermitage; his son, Thomas J. Abate Jr. and his wife, Lisa, Hermitage; two granddaughters, Anna and Nicole Abate, Hermitage; one sister, Julia Davis, Hermitage; and one brother, Pat Abate, and his wife, Betty, Columbus Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers in Italy. The family suggests memorial contributions may be made to: American Cancer Society - New Castle, 3208 Wilmington Rd. #B, New Castle, PA 16105. ABATE Thomas J., Sr., 84, of Memorial Drive, Farrell. Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. today (12-11-14) in J. BRADLEY McGONIGLE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. A Rosary will be recited at 3:30, prior to the calling hours. Condolences may be sent to our website at www. McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com Services: Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Friday (12-12-14) in Our Lady of Fatima Church-St. Ann's Church, 601 Roemer Blvd., Farrell, with the Rev. Donald E. Berdis, pastor, as celebrant. A brief prayer service will be held at 9:45 a.m. at the funeral home, prior to leaving for the church. Interment: St. Anthony Cemetery, Hermitage.