Thomas J. "Tom" Sarago

Thomas J. “Tom” Sarago, age 89, of Austintown, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021, in Mercy Health - St. Elizabeth Hospital, Boardman, from complications of the COVID-19 virus.

Born December 7, 1931, in Republic, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Francis and Katherine Grbavac Sarago – who had emigrated from Velika Trnovitica, Croatia to the United States. Tom graduated from Jefferson High School in Mather, Pennsylvania, earned a football scholarship, and went on to attend Waynesburg (Pennsylvania) College from which he graduated with a B.A. in finance. He served honorably with the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Following his service time, on September 3, 1955, Tom married the former Ann M. Berdak, who survives, and the couple raised a family of eight children. Tom was employed as a field agent for the I.R.S., and later, as a financial advisor.

He attended St. Joseph Church, Austintown, and greatly enjoyed following his children’s lives and accomplishments, as well as those of his grandchildren. One of the highlights of his life was the opportunity to visit his parents’ native Croatia. Tom was also a long-time supporter of the Fitch Falcons and a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Ann; his children, Mark (Philicia) and Matt Sarago, Jill (Dan) Ifft, Amy (Jeffrey) Wilson, Michael, Thomas (Vicki), Ted (Deanna) and Daniel (Karyn) Sarago; his grandchildren, Amber, Daniel, Christian, Kaitlin, Michael, Anthony, Nicole, Emi, Kate and Landon; his great-grandchildren, Quinn, Decker, Zara and Eli; and his many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Steve, Frank, Dorothy, Agnes, Jack, Mary and Ann.

Honoring Tom’s wishes he will be cremated and his cremated remains placed in the Mary Mother of Mercy Mausoleum of St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where a private family ceremony will be held. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Tom, please visit the Obituaries link on the Toland-Herzig website, www.tolandherzig.com.

The family suggests that contributions in Tom’s memory be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 208 W. Front St., Youngstown, Ohio 44503.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132