R. Thomas "Tom" Carlos of Sharpsville passed away unexpectedly Wednesday evening, April 12, 2017.  He was 71.

Mr. Carlos was born December 5, 1945, in Sharon, a son of James Carlos, Jr. and Helen (Ontko) Carlos.  He attended the former St. Ann's Parochial Grade School, Farrell, and was a 1963 graduate of Farrell High School.

A proud veteran, Tom served with the U.S. Navy Reserves for two years and in the U.S. Air Force for four years during the Vietnam War and was stationed at the Tachikawa Air Force Base, Tokyo, Japan.  Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home and was employed at Sharon Steel's former Farrell plant.  Tom worked for many years as a sales representative at the former Wein Motors, Jim Sarvas Dodge and Varley's Dodge City, all Hermitage.  He also worked for Dean Dairy in S. Pymatuning Township and, most recently, was the manager of Uncle Bob's self storage (now called Life Storage) on Snyder Rd., Hermitage.

Tom was a member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Sharon, and currently attended St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Poland Ohio, and its 4 ^th Degree Assembly.  Tom served as chairman of Farrell High School's Class of 1963 reunion committee and was a member and past president of the Shenango Valley Jaycee's.

He enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii with his wife; was a fabulous cook and baker; and loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren.  He was also a movie buff and a talented artist.

Tom was a devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, loyal brother and a friend to many.  He will be remembered as a kind and special gentleman who quietly helped his fellow man whenever given the opportunity.  He was larger than life in so many ways and always there for anyone who needed him.  He will be dearly missed.

Surviving is his wife of 50 years, the former Sandra "Sandy" Cartwright, whom he married July 30, 1966 in St. Ann's Church, Farrell; two daughters, Robbin L. Carlos, Cranberry Township (Butler County); and Amy L. Carlos and her fiancé Todd Titus, Sharpsville; three grandchildren, whom he loved and adored, Christian, Lindsey and Carley; two sisters, Marilyn Carlos and Nancy Carlos, both of Sharpsville; and a brother, James Carlos, III, Poland, Ohio.  He also leaves two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Cook, Reynoldsburg, Ohio; and Nancy Bowers, Sharpsville; two nephews and a niece and their families, Christopher Hill, Brad Bowers and Kimberly Cichon; a dear family friend, Lisa Bartholomew; and beloved aunts, cousins and close friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, William and Jean Cartwright; and two sisters-in-law, Patricia "Patty" Cartwright and Judy Carlos.  Tom, Dad, Pops…you are forever in our hearts!

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38105.

Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 17, 2017 , in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017, in St. Bartholomew Church, Sharpsville, with the Rev. Matthew Strickenberger, pastor, as celebrant.

Interment: America's Cemetery, Hermitage, with military honors rendered by the West Middlesex VFW, Wheatland American Legion and the Farrell VFW Honor Guard