Jeweler Tommy Glatz, Known for Being Creative and Kind, Dies at 68

Aliquippa, Pa.—Tommy M. Glatz, the longtime owner of Glatz Jewelers in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly at his home on June 7.

He was 68.

Glatz grew up in Shaler Township, Pennsylvania, just outside Pittsburgh, and graduated from Shaler High School.

After earning bachelor’s degrees in metalsmithing and fine art, Glatz and wife Marleen opened Glatz Jewelers in 1976.

Over the years, they grew their business from a small store into a multi-brand operation, gaining a reputation as one of the most trusted jewelry retailers in the Pittsburgh area while Glatz became known for his signature bow tie.

In 2009, Glatz Jewelers became a member of the Independent Jewelers Organization.

Around that same time, the store began branching out into another business—wine.

The Glatz family had been making wine for generations but didn’t begin marketing it until 2007, selling bottles under the label Glatz Wine Cellars with names befitting a jewelry store, like “Amethyst,” and “Topaz.”   

“People ask me how long I’ve been making wine. Longer than jewelry, I tell them,” Glatz told National Jeweler when the publication profiled the store’s wine business in the 2019 Retailer Hall of Fame issue, noting that his family has been producing wine in Germany and France for more than 200 years.

In addition to jewelry and winemaking, Glatz loved talking about travel, the arts, biking, and genealogy, and was an avid gardener. He enjoyed spending evenings and weekends in the garden with his dog Ted, growing fruits and vegetables and sharing them with family and friends.

He also loved being “Poppy” to his six grandchildren.

Glatz was “brilliantly creative … witty, feisty, and kind,” his online obituary states. “He will be missed by countless friends and family from all walks of life all around the world.” 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marleen (Michael) Glatz; daughter Arlene and her husband Bob Nalli; son Aaron and his wife Shelby Glatz; son Dale and his wife Dana Glatz; and six grandchildren: Andrew and Elise Nalli, Oscar and August Glatz, and William and Waylon Glatz. 

Also surviving are his father, Robert Glatz of Shaler Township; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Kerry Glatz of Shaler Township; his mother-in-law, Alice Michael of Center Township; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn (Haffely) Glatz, and his father-in-law, Steve Michael. 

Friends will be received Friday, June 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tatalovich Funeral Home, 3475 Brodhead Road, Monaca, PA 15061.