Dec 22, 2017

Thomas M. Colella, 83, of Peters Township, died Thursday, December 21, 2017.

He was the beloved husband of Susan J. Kissler Colella and the late Florence M. Colella; loving father of Wendy Colella of Tulsa, Okla., and Betsy and Bill Raber; devoted grandfather of Mya and Callie McCue and Rachel and Alec Raber; son of the late Anthony A. (a.k.a Tommy Carlyn) and Rita M. Colella; and brother of Brian (Patti) and the late Ronald Colella.

Mr. Colella was a 1953 graduate of Brentwood High School and attended Mercersburg Academy and Kent State University.

He and his father founded Brian Homes in 1956. He became president of the family-run business with his brother, Brian, at vice president position. Since 1956, Brian Homes has built nearly 2,000 homes in the South Hills and surrounding areas. He was also a savvy developer for other local home builders.

Mr. Colella had a storied career in auto racing and is considered by many as an icon of regional racing and noteworthy on a national level. He eventually took over as track owner and promoter of Heidelberg Raceway while still driving. He was honored as a Dapper Dan “Sportsman of the Year,” as well as being inducted into the Stock Car Racing Circle Track Hall of Fame, Western Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame for auto racing and Brentwood High School Hall of Fame.

He was a board member of Iron and Glass Bank for 22 years. Mr. Colella was an avid sports fan, longtime Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins season ticket holder and was part of the 22 original Civic Arena Pittsburgh Penguins season ticket holders.

Mr. Colella wore many hats. He was an excellent deal maker, influencer and financier and always had a vision for the next deal or project ahead. He enjoyed nature and all it has to offer, biking and fine wine. He was an avid golfer.

Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in John F. Slater Funeral Home Inc., 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA 15227, 412-881-4100. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 29, in St. Benedict the Abbot Church, McMurray. Anyone wishing to attend the Mass is asked to meet at the church.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Medical & Health Services Foundation, Forbes Tower Suite 8084, 3600 Forbes Avenue at Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

Condolences may be expressed at www.johfslater.com.