Thomas "Pete" Karcz

Have you ever watched paint dry? If not, you may want to start. Consider: Thomas Joseph Karcz (Pete, T.K., Dad and Pap Pap) who lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer peacefully at home in Oakdale on Wednesday, July 30, 2014. Pete was 63 years young, the courageous and strong hubby of Diane L. Karcz for 41 years; the best father ever to Brian (Lora), Ben (Angela), and Christopher (Michel), and easily the World's Greatest Pappy/Pap Pap to Bianca, Brandon, Ella, Jackson, and Olivia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Karcz; brother, Robert Karcz; and his precious pups, Pixie, Pepper, Sneakers, and Kashious. Survived by his brother, Charles Karcz, Jr.; and nieces, Amy, Shelly and Barbie; nephews, Jimmy and Mikie; and brothers-in-Iaw, Jim Kuten, Gary Gallagher (Jody) and Scott Gallagher (Lindi). Pete was an engaged father who rarely, if ever, missed an opportunity to support his three boys, even though he described many of the activities or events as "like watching paint dry." No matter the moment, big or small, happy or sad, athletic or personal, his boys knew when they came home or when they looked up into the stands, he would be there, he was always there. He was unequaled as a son, providing unconditional love and care to his mother-in-law, and then over ten years of constant care of his father. His favorite activities included: trips to "the Garage," breakfast with his wife, Diane, or his "other wife" and best friend, Billy. Laundry, yes, I said that correctly, Laundry, checking for lines in the carpet to ensure his boys ran the sweeper, "PM'ing" and cleaning the family vehicles, taking naps during Nascar races, working with his friends at the Airport, getting his Deep Creek tractor purposely stuck so that he could pull it out with his "Big Blue" truck, spending time at the Cabin and on the boat in Deep Creek with his wife, Diane, enjoying a small glass of Bacardi and Coke, and he certainly loved and was proud to "watch the paint dry." His best skills included: a unique ability to locate you no matter where you may be, which often included random drop-ins to check and make sure you were where you should be, ability to fix any and all motorized objects, large and small, "I'll get it running," and for sure transportation logistics. When it came to getting from A to B, Pete's way was the only way, and it was never challenged, even when it seemed far more complex than necessary. Pete taught us many things during his 63 years, but maybe the most important lesson of all was to take a moment to "watch the paint dry." In other words, slow down, enjoy each moment you can with your family, and above all, when your family looks for you in the stands, be there. Family and friends welcome Thursday 6-9 p.m. and Friday 2-9 p.m. WILLIAM SLATER II FUNERAL SERVICE, (412-563-2800), 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday 12 Noon in Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, Robinson Twp. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pete's name to Gateway Hospice, 9380 McKnight Rd., #201, Pgh., PA 15237.