Public park memorial set for Tarentum stabbing victim

Friends of Tarentum stabbing victim Thomas Baczynski are hoping for a wave of orange in the borough’s Riverview Memorial Park on Saturday.

A memorial service, scheduled for 4 p.m. at the park’s amphitheater, will double as a “Celebration of Life” for the man who friends recall as loving and quiet.

“Due to the outpouring of support from our small community, the Baczynski family wants the celebration to be open to the public,” said organizer Jamie Gross, adding that people are encouraged to wear orange, which was Baczynski’s favorite color.

“So many strangers reached out and donated or just offered condolences, and it meant a lot to the family.”

Baczynski, 26, was killed June 4 after a fight between two other men in the rear of Davidson Street along Companion Way.

Allegheny County police are heading the investigation. Police said Tuesday that no one has been charged and the case remains open.

Baczynski lived with two sisters and a nephew. Gross said the family lost their parents in recent years, making Baczynski’s killing particularly hard.

“The eldest sister had a baby, Kingston, last year, who became Tommy’s best buddy,” Gross said. “He loved his nephew dearly.”

Organizers are hoping to see a few dozen people in the crowd. They are planning a lighthearted gathering to share stories and remember their friend.

“We know there will be tears but we want to share laughter and joy in Tommy’s memory,” Gross said.

“Tommy had Autism and had a select few people he was close to, so it would have meant a lot to see just how much he was really loved.”

“He loved the park,” Gross added. “It was close to home and it was peaceful for him.”

A GoFundMe established to help the family with cremation and memorial costs is nearing its goal of $2,700. About $2,400 has been raised so far.

Gross said Baczynski’s family is still processing the initial shock of their brother’s killing. They are waiting for answers from police and are hoping a suspect is charged.

“They just want justice and peace for Tommy,” Gross said. “They have to live with a new normal after losing a financially contributing member of their household, a sibling and an uncle. Just waiting for him to walk in through the front door with his warm smile is painful enough knowing it will not happen again.”