On Thursday, April 17th, Thomas Merl States was found deceased in his home in the Nathan Goff Apartments in North Charleroi Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, protocol was ignored, and the next of kin was not properly notified about next steps in claiming the belongings of our loved one. Without having access to the residence, the sister and I were unable to obtain the necessary documents needed to proceed with planning to lay Tommy to rest. So today, I am hoping to raise the funds so that the family can pay for his cremation, as well as any urns, or keep sakes they choose to hold onto for years to pass. Donations will also go to the planning of his memorial service in the near future. Tommy’s sister and I think a memorial service outdoors would be perfect in remembering Tommy, being at the park with his friends and family was his favorite pass time, and we are certain he would not want our last memories of him to be in a funeral home.

Thomas M. States was undoubtedly the most kind hearted, gentle worded, loving person you would ever meet. He was quick to help anyone who asked, and even quicker to help those who couldn’t. His love for those close to him was endless, although he sure loved talking about his days in the military, and the hardships he had faced, he was an eager ear for those who spoke. He never let his guests leave hungry, or make his guests feel unwelcome, everyone was at home when at Tommy’s Apartment. It’s funny now, years later to think that back then, to us, Tommy’s Apartment was the cool, fun place to hang out. Now, I just laugh, because it was simply just an apartment. But to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Tommy, it was much more than that, it was a safe space, it was the place you went when you were bored, tired, hungry, sad, upset, and angry. His door was open to everyone, and no one was turned away. Why? Because that’s the type of man he was. Tommy had faced a lot of challenges later in life, after a heart attack, he had a life changing procedure to place an internal defibrillator, later to find out he had uncontrollable type 2 diabetes. The disabilities unfortunately made it impossible for a once hard working man to even leave his home. Then unfortunately, he was given doctors orders that he physically was not allowed to work, his body couldn’t handle it. Thomas was evicted, bounced around from friend to friend, family to family, homeless shelter, and finally to assisted housing. If you made it this far, thank you, thank you for taking the time to read this story, and thank you for any donations to support this cause as well as to support the family in this tragic time.

Memorial Date and information to follow