The stunning City of Pittsburgh skyline.
Born in Baton Rouge, La., Thomas Arlie Schelat was raised in West Mifflin, Pa., outside of Pittsburgh. He graduated from West Mifflin South High School and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and a Master of Science degree in industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University.
Tom’s roots ran deep in Pittsburgh. He loved his city. In earlier years, he worked as a mechanical engineer in Pittsburgh. During this time, he could be found on his boat frequenting Pittsburgh’s three rivers water skiing with friends, attending sporting and arts-related events. Tom was an avid enthusiast of all Pittsburgh sports. He was a loyal fan of the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates – he owned Steelers season tickets for over 35 seasons.
His professional career included engineering-related positions, and after accepting a permanent position with Amvest Corporation in early 1993, Tom left his city and moved to Charlottesville, Va., and where he eventually became the president and CEO. He held this position until his retirement in 2004.
In 2007, after Tom had been retired for three years, he returned to his roots in Pittsburgh. He’d realized his dream of living in downtown Pittsburgh and embracing a city lifestyle, so he could be close to all the things he loved: the arts, sports, museums, friends and fine dining.
He shared his downtown home with his wife, Perri, whom he met in 1994, while they were both working at Amvest. He spent these special years enjoying the city with Perri, along with the company of his lifelong friends.
Tom and Perri also spent time in their mountain home in Washington state. They traveled extensively throughout the west in the decade following his retirement – Tom was dedicated to supporting Perri’s growth as a professional photographer. When they were back in Pittsburgh, Perri supported and enjoyed Tom’s city life. Sharing each other’s interests really spoke to the strong bond the two had.
Tom absolutely loved Pittsburgh arts. Through both contributions and attendance, he supported the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet, Pittsburgh Opera and the Pittsburgh Symphony. He was a Pittsburgh Symphony ticket holder for more than 35 years. He loved the local museums, including the Heinz History Museum, Carnegie Museums, The Frick and the Andy Warhol Museum, to name a few.
His interests in Pittsburgh didn’t stop there. Tom was excited about the revitalization and renaissance happening in Pittsburgh. While living downtown and spending time on the North shore and along the river trails, Tom and Perri made contributions to Friends of the Riverfront. Tom and Perri loved animals and gave to The National Aviary and The Pittsburgh Zoo too.
Phipps in full bloom.
Tom enjoyed supporting and visiting Phipps Botanical Conservatory where he enjoyed watching Perri photograph flowers through every season. It was a perfect place to sit and enjoy a relaxing Sunday morning.
Tom’s love for his fellow Pittsburghers was evident by his support of organizations like the Pittsburgh Food Bank and area homeless shelters.
His charitable giving extended beyond Pittsburgh. Fallingwater was a favorite. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright and owned by the Kaufmann family until 1963, the house and grounds of Fallingwater are now entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. Following visits to this magical place, Tom and Perri began contributing to the Conservancy.
There were similar discoveries and subsequent contributing throughout Tom and Perri’s marriage and travels. They gave to Glacier Conservancy to help fund Glacier National Park, where they spent a lot of time and where Perri came into her own as a photographer. Through the Yellowstone Association, they donated to Yellowstone National Park, where they spent many winters visiting and traveling by snow coaches in the frozen landscapes. They also supported The Smithsonian, where they visited and learned about history and art – something they both loved doing together. Their visits to The Smithsonian awakened a deeper appreciation and curiosity for history.
Winter at Fallingwater.
Tom cared deeply about all these endeavors and wanted to support them for future generations to enjoy. It spoke volumes about the type of giving and compassionate person he was.
In June 2018, Tom passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, at home with his beloved wife, Perri, after a two-year illness. He was 68 years old. Tom was a man of grace and great character. He faced his illness with positivity, strength and hope.
He acknowledged a rich and fulfilling life adorned by friendships, opportunities, adventures, great loves and joy and gratefulness for them all.
To honor his legacy, Perri has established this Fund so that Tom’s love of Pittsburgh, and the arts and cultural organizations in Pittsburgh and elsewhere, will continue to receive his support beyond his years.
To make a gift to the fund in honor of Tom, you may donate online.
Perri and Tom in Peyto Lake, Banff National Park, AB, Canada.
Type of Fund
- Advised