Obituaries

Thomas Pastorius, Founder of Pennsylvania Brewing Company

Thomas Pastorius, of Sewickley, a pioneer of the craft brewing movement who was proud to be known as "Mr. Beer," died Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012.

Thomas Vaughn Pastorius, 67, of Sewickley, passed away Sept. 6, 2012, surrounded by family.

Loving husband of Mary Beth (Morgan) Pastorius and proud father of two sons: Thomas Jr. (Felice) of Brooklyn, NY and Franz Daniel of Munich, Germany. Also survived by brother James G. Pastorius, Jr. (Ruth Ann) and niece Charlotte Pastorius of Butler.

Founder of Pennsylvania Brewing Company in 1986 where he served as President and CEO until July 2010, Tom was a pioneer of the craft brewing movement and proud to be known as “Mr. Beer,” winning numerous national and international awards.

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Tom was born in Pittsburgh, on Sept. 22, 1944, the son of the late James G. and Ruth Edwards Pastorius. A graduate of Baldwin High School where he was the bagpiper for the Highlanders Band, Tom earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia and was a member of the varsity swim team.

He received an MBA from Penn State following service as a First and Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army 8th Infantry Division in Germany from 1966-69.

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Tom was a member of , , , Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, and German-American organizations throughout Pennsylvania.

Friends will be received at , 702 Beaver St., Sewickley, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. Tuesday at The Presbyterian Church, 414 Grant St., Sewickley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Music Fund of The Presbyterian Church of Sewickley, or The Pastorius Home Association, P. O. Box 66, Germansville, PA 18053.


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