Thomas Richard Kimmerle

On May 18, 2023, Thomas Richard Kimmerle, age 75, passed into the spiritual realm from his home in Franklin Park, PA. Tom was born on September 30, 1947 in Pittsburgh, PA, son of Mary and Richard Kimmerle. He is survived by his siblings Anne and Linda Kimmerle, and Richard Kimmerle, his wife of 19 years, Cecily Routman, and his niece Kristen Palumbo (Michael) and children Bennett, Juliet and Genevieve Palumbo. Tom graduated from North Hills High School, where he excelled in gymnastics, then entered the Air Force to serve in the Vietnam War, during which time he had the opportunity to travel with the military to many European countries, as well as to climb Mt. Ararat. Returning home, Tom earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Development at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to his gymnastics aptitude, Tom had an inborn talent for martial arts and studied many styles. In 1980, he started practicing and teaching the art of Tai Chi Chuan. His exceptional abilities led him to participate in an elder exercise study through Emory University and Shadyside Hospital, and later to teach Tai Chi exercise and fall prevention for UPMC. Always physically active and energetic, he also enjoyed employment as a surveyor when not busy with his martial arts avocation. Tom was gifted in mathematics and carpentry, as reflected in his solo construction of a geodesic dome home. He had a remarkable ability to maintain long term friendships, and was always quick to help others with home projects and tai chi lessons at no charge. In 2003, Tom married Cecily Routman. Together they maintained several appealing rental properties in Sewickley, PA, and founded the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation, where Tom served as the Secretary/Treasurer for many years. Suggested memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project. Interment will be at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cremationofpennsylvania.com/location/pittsburgh-pa for the Kimmerle family.