Thomas J. Durrett, Sr.

On Monday, May 21, 2018, Thomas James Durrett, Sr., peacefully departed this life at Allegheny General Hospital.  Thomas was born on July 10, 1953 in Pittsburgh, PA to the late TJ Durrett and Shirley Sapp.

In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Phyliss Durrett and his sister Carolyn Rochelle Durrett.

Thomas was educated in the Pittsburgh Public School system where he excelled in swimming, winning several medals and trophies, eventually becoming a lifeguard.

Thomas worked many years for the City of Pittsburgh in the Department of Environmental Services until an injury forced him into early retirement.  Thomas held several out of town construction jobs and his wife Phyliss would often travel to be with him.  Thomas couldn't keep still so he went to work for Lemington Heights Apartments as a maintenance supervisor for several years.  Upon leaving that position, Thomas went into full retirement and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Thomas was most proud of his elected seat  as an Allegheny County Democratic Committeeman for the 13th Ward 5th District, a position he held for 12 years; Thomas is remembered by his fellow committee men and women as dependable, committed representative who worked tirelessly to help keep Westinghouse School opened because he always believed that you can get a good education in our school system according to the 13th Ward Chair, Chuck Frazier.

Thomas had many hobbies that included tinkering in auto mechanics with his cousins; going on camping and fishing excursions with family and friends in Erie, PA and planning his famous family picnics and events to keep the family together.

Thomas leaves to cherish his memory, his loving sons, Kedryn L. Chambers and Thomas J. Durrett, Jr.; his grandchildren Kedrin, Jr., Montay, Nahzir, Natausha, Teonna and Taleah; his sisters; Vicki Durrett, Mary Durrett and Fredericka Greenwood and a host of nephews, nieces, uncles and aunts.

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