Thomas Pascoe Gordon

Thomas Pascoe Gordon, known affectionately as “Tucker,” died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday, October 3, at the age of 89. Tucker was born on August 11, 1932 to parents Robert Miller Gordon and Mary Pascoe Gordon Provost. He grew up in Rosslyn Farms, PA with his brother Robert Miller Gordon, Jr.

Tucker had a love of learning and education. He attended Rosslyn Farms Elementary School, Carnegie Middle School, Phillips Andover School, followed by a postgraduate scholarship year at the Harrow School in England. Tucker attended Princeton University where he was captain of the wrestling team and played lacrosse. He graduated with high honors and an AB in Chemistry with the Class of 1954. Following Princeton, Tucker attended the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, CA where he earned a MS in Chemical Engineering in 1956 and his PHD in Biochemistry in 1959.

After graduation from Caltech, Tucker married his first love, Nancy Hannon. They moved to Toronto, where he worked in pharmaceutical development for the Fine Chemical Company. In 1962, Tucker and Nancy returned to Pittsburgh where Tucker joined his brother, Bob, at Gordon Lubricating Company. Tucker and Bob developed and managed Gordon Terminal Service Company for the next 50+ years.

Tucker and Nancy settled in Thornburg and raised their 4 children; Chris, Amy, Tim, and Sara. Following Nancy’s untimely death in 1979, Tucker married Katie (Kathryn) Edson of Sewickley in 1980, and lovingly welcomed Katie’s six children; Jim, Kris, Sarah, Mike, Annie, and Katy.  The Gordon-Edson family (GE gang) was a source of great pride, happiness and love. Tucker and Katie enjoyed a romance that lasted over 41 years.

Tucker was an incredibly thoughtful, generous and kind father who was adored by his children and grandchildren. He looked forward to family tennis and dinners at the annual family Stone Harbor beach vacation. He and Katie enjoyed fly fishing and hiking trips in New Zealand, Australia, the Bahamas and the American West. They were avid travelers and participated in international hiking trips into their 80s. Tucker’s athleticism and sportsmanship were unparalleled. Tucker and his late son, Chris, were in the winner’s circle in the Thornburg Tennis Tournament when Tucker was 85.

Tucker was known for his kindness, generosity and easy-going nature.  With his cheerful smile and the twinkle in his eye, Tucker employed his keen engineering mind to see challenges as opportunities.  He led by example and was a consummate gentleman and an admired friend and mentor.

Tucker was devoted to service and touched the lives of many. He served as Mayor of Thornburg and on the Thornburg Borough Council for over 20 years. He was a leader of the local Boy Scout troop and sponsored fundraising initiatives for the BSA. Tucker served on the Board of Directors at Ohio Valley General Hospital, Sewickley Academy, Allegheny Country Club, and the Montour School District. Tucker also served on the Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy Advisory Committee.

Tucker is survived by his wife, Kathryn “Katie” Gordon of Thornburg, PA, and children  Dr. Amy H. (Jim) Gordon of Baltimore, MD, Timothy H. (Wendy) Gordon of Sewickley, PA, Sara L. Gordon  (Tom) McCargo of Sewickley, PA, Jim (Linda) Edson of Tetonia, Idaho, Kris (Helen) Edson of State College, PA, Sarah (Jay) Gauthier of Fayston, VT, Michael Edson of Bayonne, NJ, Annie (Nolan) Lassiter of Denver, CO, and Katy (Andras) Koppanyi of Midlothian, VA. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Hannon Gordon (d.1979) and oldest son Christopher Marshall Gordon (d.2020).  Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) on Thursday October 7, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday October 8, 2021 in the Sewickley Presbyterian Church 414 Grant Street, Sewickley, PA 15143 at 11:00AM. Interment will be private. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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