Obituary of Rowland A Tisdale

Rowland A. Tisdale age 79, of Mt. Lebanon, passed away on May 14, 2011 after a nearly 20-year battle with congestive heart failure. Beloved husband of 55 yrs to Marion G.; Supportive Father to Sherry, Rowland Jr. "Lex" (Tracey), and M. Brock (Jennifer); Devoted Grandfather to Lauren, Brittany, Zachary, Sydney, Morgan, and Jackson; Brother to Norman Jr. (Peggy) Tisdale and the late Shirley (Edward) Gay; and son to Rita and Norman. Knowing Rolly means having been touched by him in some way. Many will remember "Mr. T" as a coach and co-founder of South Pittsburgh Youth Hockey Assoc., or "Big Daddy" of record hops in Scott Twp. He was a lifelong lover of hockey from his years playing, coaching and watching the sport. Even before graduating from Mt. Lebanon H. S. and later the University of Pittsburgh as a metallurgical engineer, Rolly was always willing to fix what was broken - from cars and washing machines to skinned knees or a broken heart. He never wavered in his willingness to offer support to others - attending the events of his children and grandchildren, volunteering in youth ministry at St. Paul"s Episcopal Church, and as a Shriner and 32nd degree Mason. Rolly was always quick to make conversation and share a story, displaying creativity through art and as a published poet. He knew the steel industry inside and out from production to sales. He loved to reminisce about "the good old days" and his summers in Canada as a boy. Rolly loved family, especially children, and took pleasure in conversations and service to others. Friends received Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM, in the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc. 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333), where a service will be held Wednesday, 11:30 AM. Interment will be private. Family suggest memorial contributions be made to American Heart Assoc. and South Pittsburgh Youth Hockey Assoc.