Thomas J. Kalman, beloved husband, father and grandfather, military hero, accomplished businessman, public servant and philanthropist, passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord, on June 9, 2012 in Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. Born December 21, 1917 in Perryopolis, Thomas was the son of Joseph A. Kalman and Susan Danko Kalman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clare Reagan Kalman and his brother, Albert Joseph Kalman.
Thomas is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna Forrai Kalman; his cherished daughters, Mary Ann Kalman of Uniontown and Maureen Volker and her husband Michael of Collegeville, PA; his sister, Mary Catherine (Cay) Griglak and her husband Laddie; his stepsons James Forrai and his wife Kristy, Edward Forrai and his wife Sonya, Steven Forrai and his wife Julie; his granddaughter, Alexandra and his great-grandson, Rylan Thomas; his grandchildren, Travis, Jake, Steven, Michael, Paige, Cole and Maya; His nieces and nephews Deborah, Marsha, Jeffrey, Betsy, Thomasine, Joe, Mike, Marianne, Kathy and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Thomas was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (with honors), Class of 1939, the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, the Officers War College in Norfolk, VA and the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Thomas served his country proudly as a Navy officer in World War II, participating in the invasions of Sicily and Northern Africa and also serving in the Western Sea Frontier. He retired as a Senior Captain and remained active in military affairs as a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Catholic War Veterans.
Mr. Kalman established a law firm in Uniontown, PA and was a practicing attorney and member of the PA State Bar Associations for more than 60 years. He established and supported numerous successful businesses. He served in the PA State Legislature as Senator from 1957-1970 and as Chief Clerk of the Senate from 1971-1980. He was appointed by Presidents Ford and Carter to serve on Presidential Advisory Commissions.
The Catholic Church played a central role in Mr. Kalman’s life. He sought to uphold Catholic teachings and traditions by serving as a board member at the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. In 2007, he received the distinguished honor of being inducted as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, the only lay institution of the Vatican State charged with the task of providing for the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and for all the activities and initiatives which are necessary to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Thomas Kalman spent his last years surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him, enjoying a Notre Dame football game on an autumn afternoon, a good meal with beloved friends and joyful family gatherings. His life will be celebrated and he will be sadly missed.
Friends will be received in the Skirpan Funeral Home 680 Cherry Tree Lane, Uniontown, Pa on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 9PM. Where a prayer service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in St. John the Evangelist RC Church – Uniontown, PA with the Rev. Fr. James D. Tringhese and Monsignor Edward McCullough as Co – Celebrants. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery with full military rites accorded by American Legion Post 51 and the VFW.

Thomas J. Kalman, beloved husband, father and grandfather, military hero, accomplished businessman, public servant and philanthropist, passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord, on June 9, 2012 in Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. Born December 21, 1917 in Perryopolis, Thomas was the son of Joseph A. Kalman and Susan Danko Kalman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Clare Reagan Kalman and his brother, Albert Joseph Kalman.
Thomas is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna Forrai Kalman; his cherished daughters, Mary Ann Kalman of Uniontown and Maureen Volker and her husband Michael of Collegeville, PA; his sister, Mary Catherine (Cay) Griglak and her husband Laddie; his stepsons James Forrai and his wife Kristy, Edward Forrai and his wife Sonya, Steven Forrai and his wife Julie; his granddaughter, Alexandra and his great-grandson, Rylan Thomas; his grandchildren, Travis, Jake, Steven, Michael, Paige, Cole and Maya; His nieces and nephews Deborah, Marsha, Jeffrey, Betsy, Thomasine, Joe, Mike, Marianne, Kathy and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Thomas was a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (with honors), Class of 1939, the University of Pennsylvania School of Law, the Officers War College in Norfolk, VA and the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Thomas served his country proudly as a Navy officer in World War II, participating in the invasions of Sicily and Northern Africa and also serving in the Western Sea Frontier. He retired as a Senior Captain and remained active in military affairs as a member of the Retired Officers Association, the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Catholic War Veterans.
Mr. Kalman established a law firm in Uniontown, PA and was a practicing attorney and member of the PA State Bar Associations for more than 60 years. He established and supported numerous successful businesses. He served in the PA State Legislature as Senator from 1957-1970 and as Chief Clerk of the Senate from 1971-1980. He was appointed by Presidents Ford and Carter to serve on Presidential Advisory Commissions.
The Catholic Church played a central role in Mr. Kalman’s life. He sought to uphold Catholic teachings and traditions by serving as a board member at the Institute for Church Life at the University of Notre Dame. In 2007, he received the distinguished honor of being inducted as a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, the only lay institution of the Vatican State charged with the task of providing for the needs of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem and for all the activities and initiatives which are necessary to support the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Thomas Kalman spent his last years surrounded by those he loved and those who loved him, enjoying a Notre Dame football game on an autumn afternoon, a good meal with beloved friends and joyful family gatherings. His life will be celebrated and he will be sadly missed.
Friends will be received in the Skirpan Funeral Home 680 Cherry Tree Lane, Uniontown, Pa on Tuesday from 2 – 4 and 6 – 9PM. Where a prayer service will be held on Wednesday at 9:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00AM in St. John the Evangelist RC Church – Uniontown, PA with the Rev. Fr. James D. Tringhese and Monsignor Edward McCullough as Co – Celebrants. Interment will follow in Sylvan Heights Cemetery with full military rites accorded by American Legion Post 51 and the VFW.