Served for decades on N. Braddock, Woodland Hills boards
ROBERT J. TOMASIC | May 26, 1939 - June 19, 2020
When he was growing up in North Braddock, Bob Tomasic’s father repeated a bit of advice to his children that evidently made an impression.
“His father always preached to them that they were to give back to the community, and I guess he figured that was his way,” said Diane Tomasic, the wife of the late Mr. Tomasic, who died of esophageal cancer on June 19. He was 81.
For Mr. Tomasic, “his way” included long stints serving on local government boards, including North Braddock Council and the Woodland Hills School District Board of Directors. He held the latter role for 30 years.
“I don’t think Bob ever voted for a tax increase in his 30 years on the board,” said
Fred Kuhn, a fellow Woodland Hills board member and friend of 50 years. “All he thought about was the taxpayers and the students. And he fought for them.”
Mr. Tomasic graduated from North Braddock Scott High School in 1957 and continued on to Duquesne University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Mr. Tomasic opened his own accounting practice in Forest Hills in 1975 and continued working there until his death.
“He was outstanding with numbers,” Mr. Kuhn said. “When it came to numbers, there wasn’t anyone better.”
During his 24-year run on North Braddock Council, Mr. Tomasic also served as president of both the Allegheny County Boroughs Association and the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.
Mr. and Mrs. Tomasic married in 1971. They had two children, Debbie and Ernie. The Tomasics enjoyed golf trips and vacations to Myrtle Beach, S.C.
In addition to his wife and children, Mr. Tomasic is survived by four brothers; Lawrence (Lynn), Bernard (Andrea), William (Mary Ann) and Francis; and several grandchildren.
Mr. Tomasic was buried in June in Braddock Catholic Cemetery.