Thomas W. McCosby, 81, of Slippery Rock Township, entered into the Glory of God on Christmas Day, 2015.   Born in the Carrick section of Pittsburgh on July 22, 1934 to Sylvester J. and Maria S. (Meyer) McCosby, he had 5 older brothers and a younger sister. Thomas married Mary Ann (Boots) Scheller on September 15, 1956. He had only the simplest of needs, and lived his life fully for his family. Thomas fought with the last ounce of his strength to be with them, but his heart could not survive his battle with lung cancer. He was the father of 11, grandfather of 33, and great-grandfather to 5 with two more on the way. Thomas was a custom home builder for almost 60 years and helped each of his children build or remodel their own homes. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish and sang in the choir over 40 years. He taught Pre-Cana Marriage instructions on building a successful marriage. He was a member of the North Suburban and Lawrence County Builders Associations and served as Chairman of the Slippery Rock Township Planning Commission. Because his grandchildren knew there was nothing he couldn't fix for them, Thomas still had much work to do.

Survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Ann (Boots) McCosby; 10 children and their families; Julie & John Wagner, and children James, Gretchen & Aaron Watson,  Gregory, Jamie & Ariel Gendler;  Thomas F. & Beverly McCosby;  Debra McCosby (wife of David), and children Jacob & Erin McCosby, and Rachael; Kathleen & Eric Campbell and children Bridgette & Andrew Peffer, Timothy, Colleen, and Robert;  Steven & Darlene McCosby and son Paul; Mark & Sharon McCosby and children Spencer, Abigail, Natalie, and Anna; Gerard & Amy McCosby and children Ethan, Rebekah, Luke, and Sarah;  John & Diana McCosby and children Kelly, Kevin, and Shane;  Joan & John Rogan, and children Julia, Kathryn, Jack and Vanessa;  Theresa & Todd Atkins and children Brooke, Regan, and Tori; and Matthew & Heather McCosby and children Michael, Elizabeth, John, and Marcus; five great grandchildren Ben, Elliott, and Oliver Watson; and Riley and Piper McCosby; a brother, James McCosby and a sister, Maria West.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four of his older brothers, and a son, David E. McCosby.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday (12-28-15) in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home & Crematory Inc, 111 W. Falls St. New Castle, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday (12-29-15) at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph the Worker Church, New Castle. Interment will follow in St.Vitus Cemetery.

Memorial Contribution may be made in Thomas' name to St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 1111 S. Cascade St. New Castle, Pa 16101, or Caleb International Ministries,  P.O. Box 5311, New Castle,  Pa 16105.