SUKITSCH THOMAS MICHAEL On July 23, 2015, Tom lost his semi-courageous battle against colon cancer. Over the past several years, Tom aligned himself with two other cancer patients. There was the Fighter, who researched cutting-edge cures on the internet and through local physicians. There was the Traveler, who spent a lot of time seeking treatment in Case Studies and on the beach. And there was the Slacker. While some cancer patients seek alternative research and cures, he was content to hide behind the experience of an incredible team of Doctors and staff at Allegheny General Hospital awaiting yet another life-extending treatment. He used his time to listen to new music and read books, while the angels did the work. For the Slacker that wait has ended. He died when cancer found his hiding place. Tom was born September 23, 1952, (the day that Rocky Marciano knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott for the heavyweight title). He attended Most Holy Name of Jesus grade school and North Catholic High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He drove a Yellow Cab in Pittsburgh until he met the love his life and a single man became the father of two. Tom went back to Pitt and earned a second degree in Computer Science. He was hired by IBM and the family moved to Maryland. Over the next 30 years, he worked with limited success at IBM, Loral and Lockheed Martin. He was still with IBM when he died. The above is what comes of promising to let someone write their own obituary. Tom will be forever missed by Linda Ebitz, his wife of 35 years; and daughters, Tracey Hegerle and husband, Eric, and Shannon Lacek and husband, Todd "Chopper" Stepe; as well as his beloved grandchildren, Tom and Kayleigh Hegerle. Tom was the son of the late Mary (Horvath) and Ferdinand (Fred) Sukitsch. He is survived by his beloved siblings, JoAnn Sukitsch, Fred Sukitsch (Kate, Penny), and Richard Sukitsch (Christianne); as well as cousins, Josef and Alfred Sukitsch (Heidi). His kindness, humor, and positive attitude will be sadly missed by his many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. It is with grateful hearts that his family thanks Dr. Moses Raj, Dr. Alexander Kirichenko, and Dr. David Rickard, who started as Tom's talented and compassionate physicians and ended being treasured friends. We also thank the many angels on their staffs who offered comfort, support and invaluable advice, including Cheryl, Jay, Zahra, Dee, Beth, Kathleen, Mary, Barb, Donna, Andrea, Jaime, Sue, Teresa, and, of course, darling Cherie. We thank the wonderful hospice and home health care nurses who got us through the past months and years, Maryann, Sarah, Lisa, and Toni. Any omissions on this list are due to our frazzled memories, not lack of gratitude. And last, a special thank you to all of our wonderful family, friends, and neighbors who drove us, fed us, wrote, visited, called, and supported us in so many ways through the years. Bless you all. Friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the HUGHES FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1501 Lowrie Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 - Troy Hill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church - Troy Hill on Monday, July 27, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, an organization that provided Tom with many years of pleasure. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb