Thomas Kuzmin
October 01, 1940 - September 05, 2026
Visitation: No Visitation
Service: A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Thomas Michael “Tom” Kuzmin was born into eternal life on September 5, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, while at the VA Community Living Center in Butler, PA. Tom was born in Erie, PA on October 1, 1940 to the late George “Porky” Kuzmin and Josephine Staszewski Kuzmin.
Tom grew up on Front Street and spent his early years at the “Dock”, now known as Dobbins Landing, where he helped out at his father’s bait shop. The Erie Bait Company (Porky’s Bait Stand) located at 85 State Street was a favorite for many a fisherman. His love of being near or on the water came early and remained with him throughout his life. As the years passed, he was especially delighted and content with the times he spent boating and fishing with his sons, grandsons, and brother-in-law Ron.
It was his love of water and his country that brought Tom to the decision to join the United States Navy. Tom was a Vietnam Veteran who served aboard the USS Lynde McCormick DDG 8 FTM4 F3 Fire Technician for Electronics on Missile Control. He served 3/26/62-6/13/66 Deployment on McCormick: 6/20/63-5/29/66.
Family time was improtant to Tom and often centered around sports. He never missed an opportunity to watch his children and grandchildren participate in various sports. Much to his children’s dismay, Tom was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan! He was also a fan of the casino. His eyes would light up as bright as the machines. He and Carol looked forward to their casino outings and meeting new friends.
Finding opportunities that turned the ordinary into magical experiences was one of Tom’s gifts. When daughter Melissa was young, they especially liked going out to get the newspaper and picking out penny candy. It was time spent together that made it so special. For the grandchildren, he was Donut Bunny on Sunday mornings. When he picked up his newspaper, he would also pick up donuts, go to their house and leave them at the door for them. The grandchildren were so happy to find the donuts, and Tom was even happier to give them special childhood memories they cound hold in their hearts forever.
Tom was a devoted family man and enjoyed time spent with his wife, Carol Pfister Kuzmin, their children, grandchildren and extended family. Tom and Carol met in 1967. Carol was captivated by his humor, intelligence, and gentle spirit. They married at St. Patrick’s Church in Erie, PA, on May 10, 1969. They would spend the first part of their life together in Erie until they built their home in Albion, PA. There they raised three children, Kip, Shawn, and Melissa.
Tom worked as an Electrical Estimator with Keystone Electric and also worked as a photographer and co-owner of Reflections by Carol. He and his wife, Carol, were partners in business and in life. They stayed busy with family, work, and church. Together, they shared time as president of Marriage Encounter, a marriage enrichment program through the Erie Catholic Diocese, where they met many lifelong friends. Work would take the family to Ellwood City, PA. Tom worked at Chapman Corporation and the Bruce and Marilees Electric Co. He enjoyed his work as an Electrical Estimator and especially time spent on the completion of the Pittsburgh Airport.
In retirement, Tom and Carol moved to Cranberry Township, PA, where they could appreciate being with their children and thirteen grandchildren.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, George Stanley Kuzmin: his mother and father-in-law, Lucille and Gil Pfister; brothers-in-law, John, David, and Gil Pfister II; sister-in-law, Janet Pfister Kirksey; and several nephews.
Left to cherish many wonderful memories of Tom’s kindness and humor are the love of his lifetime, his wife, Carol Pfister Kuzmin, and their children: Kip Kuzmin, his wife Karen, Shawn Kuzmin, Melissa Kuzmin Huston, her husband Matt, thirteen grandchildren: Autumn Kuzmin Flanary, Brian Flanary, Clay Kuzmin, Ace Kuzmin, Nathan Foster, Alek Kuzmin (Millie), AJ Kuzmin, Carter Kuzmin, Levi Kuzmin, Kai Kuzmin, Chloe Huston, Kate Huston, Molly Huston. His borthers and sisters-in-law: Kathy and Ron Pfister, Audrey and Jerry Munzi, Luann and JC Summers, Janice and Tom Pfister, Dan Pfister, Lisa and John Campbell, Jerry Pfister (Carolyn), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Pittsburgh Veterans Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, the VA Community Living Center in Butler, PA, and the therapists from Concordia. Their hard work, dedication, and compassion touched our hearts and blessed us with understanding and comfort. Thank you for letting your light shine on our darkest days.
Tom, a Christian, touched many with his kindness, humor, and unwavering love. In accordance with his wishes, cremation will be held through DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME of CRANBERRY. At a later date, a Celebration of Life will be held in his honor.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Butler VA Healthcare , 353 N. Duffy Rd., Butler, PA 16001 Attn: Maryann Capuzzi, (Memo: Recreation/CLC). Please make checks payable to Butler VA Healthcare.
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