Michael T. Thorsen

Michael T. Thorsen of Pittsburgh passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 19, 2024.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathryn (Schmidt); children, Kate (Tom Klingensmith), Emily, and Evan; and dear friends, Carl and Lynn Iezzi.

Michael was born in Chicago, IL, and moved to the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh as a young man. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and received his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from Duquesne University.

Michael dedicated his life to Arts Education, as a teacher at Turtle Creek High School and Arsenal Middle School, as the Music Supervisor for the Pittsburgh Public Schools, and as Vice Principal at Schenley High School. He became Principal of the Pittsburgh Public Schools Creative and Performing Arts High School in 1999, and, following his retirement in Pittsburgh, the first Principal of the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in Washington County, MD in 2008. During his time as an educator and administrator, he was instrumental in furthering arts education for thousands of students. His dedication to the arts enabled CAPA to move to the Cultural District in downtown Pittsburgh, and also the creation of the first Fine Arts High School in Maryland. He received numerous awards for his achievements, including the Arts Leadership Recognition Award from the State of Maryland Schools Alliance.

Michael was an accomplished musician and educator, performing with the Duquesne University Brass Ensemble and Duquesne University Jazz Band, and the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. He was the music director for Camelot Productions and the Turtle Creek Play Guild, an instructor for the Pittsburgh Royal Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, conductor for the Pittsburgh Diocesan Band, and choir director at St. Colman Church in Turtle Creek. He was also an adjudicator for Pennsylvania Federation of Contest Judges, Bands of America, and Drum Corps International. He was a lifelong member of the congregation of St. Therese Church in Munhall.

Those that wish to pay their respects are welcome to join the family for the Funeral Mass at St. Therese Church of the St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Munhall, on Saturday, February 3, at 11:00 AM. Everyone please meet at church. A celebration of life will take place in May. Arrangements entrusted to the SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME, INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall, PA 15120. Private inurnment at the Monongahela Cemetery, Monongahela. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024. Please contact the family for more information. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is creating a scholarship fund in Michael's name; please send an email to the michaelthorsenscholarshipfund@gmail.com for more information. 

Condolences may be left at www.swgfuneralhome.com.

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