Thomas Strain

Thomas Richard Strain, 27, passed away on August 31, 2018, after a hard fought battle with substance use disorder.

He is survived by his children: Gennaro, Isabella and Cason Strain; his siblings: Anthony, Matthew and Megan Strain, and Brianna Dilan; his guardians, Jesse and Kathleen Strain; and his mother, Michele Strain. He is predeceased by his father, Gennaro A. Strain.

Tommy was so much more than his disease. He was a handsome young man with a kind heart that wanted to live. Tommy loved his children and enjoyed their many adventures together. He moved to Pittsburgh in June with the dream of a fresh start. The night before Tommy's passing he attended a 12-step meeting and was excited to have just landed a new job. He tried with all of his being to overcome the grip addiction had on him and was residing in a sober living community when he relapsed for the final time.

A Celebration of Tommy's Life will be held Saturday, September 29th, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Topton, at 1:00 p.m. Friends and family may call at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Thomas by helping to end the stigma of addiction. Please educate yourself and others about this disease. Overdose death is preventable, recovery is possible. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for help before it's too late. For local support, contact the Council on Chemical Abuse or Not One More Berks- SEPA. National support for families is available at the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.