Thomas Kerr Hawkins II, age 81, of North Strabane, Pa., formerly of Monessen, Pa., passed away on July 2, 2023. He was born May 18, 1942, the son of the late Thomas Kerr Hawkins and Maxine A. Hawkins. He graduated from Monessen High School and never forgot the Greyhounds as he remained on the Alumnae Committee for many years. He attended Union College in Tennessee and graduated with a degree in music. Tom began playing the trumpet at the age of 6 and propelled his love of music into a lifelong passion. He spent many years in Nashville and Memphis as part of the music scene that included Sam Phillip of Sun Studios, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee and other music icons.
In later years when he came back to Monessen, Pa., to care for his aging parents, he went to Duquesne University to receive his master’s in music and began working on his Doctorate. He then secured a job as a band director and music teacher spending 33 years with West Mifflin School District. He took the band to perform at a World’s Fair, the Pegasus Parade at the Kentucky Derby and many more band trips.
His students knew him to be kind, fun, but a true disciplinarian. A sign hung above the door to his classroom that said, “My house, my rules”. He wore a suit or sports coat and tie to class every day. So that when he would run into his former students many years later, they still called him Mr. Hawkins. He prided himself in teaching his students the joy of music, but also structure, self-respect, and the value of hard work.
Tom continued to play in bands in the Pittsburgh and Mon Valley area. When he decided it was time to move in a different direction, he became a Chorus Director for the Mon Valley Chordsmen Barbershop Chorus. Barbershop singing and directing became a passion for him. He attended numerous International Conventions, shared his talent with those trying to get to a higher level, and volunteered for service anytime he could.
Tom loved to golf, to spend time at his cabin at Alpine Lake, to play with his dogs, to cook, to ride his motorcycle, to spend 45 years going to Steeler games, (being someone who actually did see the Immaculate Reception) and to watch the Pirates play. He loved to travel. He tried adventurous things like ballooning over a desert in Arizona, hiking on a glacier in Alaska, ziplining, segwaying, taking flying lessons, taking a plane ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
Tom is survived by his loving family, Mary Grace Musuneggi and Christopher, and Christine Musuneggi, and many special friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at The Salvation Army Pittsburgh Temple on Saturday, July 8. The service will begin at 10 a.m. and the Temple is located at 1060 McNeilly Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15226. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Light of Life Rescue Mission.
