Thomas James Hamilton

Thomas James Hamilton
June 29th, 1955- January 15th, 2022
Wallkill, NY

Thomas passed on January 15th, with his wife and children by his side. He was 66.

Tom’s life was truly an admirable one.

Life began in Port Jervis, NY where he was born to parents J Emerson and Elaine (Bockemuhl) Hamilton. He was the youngest of three siblings. Tom developed his exemplary social skills and well-known charisma at an early age, with stories of him as a toddler breaking out of his play pen and heading down the street to visit with neighbors. In his early years, Tom and his family moved from Matamoras, PA to Colden Park, where he grew up with his sister Gail (Fogarty), his brother Tony, and many Park friends.

Tom’s early adulthood took place in the mid 1970’s/early 1980’s; it would appear that most of the stories from this period were purposefully withheld from his children. So, we’ll leave these memories with those who were lucky enough to experience them with him.

Tom went on to work for IBM over 40 years as a Senior Staff Engineer. He served as President of the Hudson Valley Umpire Association for 10 years. He was an active member of the Wallkill Lions Club, and he enjoyed his Friday morning food runs volunteering for The Loaves and Fishes Food pantry.

Tom happily joined the early retiree’s club at age 62, and set off on his quest for rest, relaxation, and to once again become a par golfer (an accomplishment the birth of his children stole from him many years prior).

In addition to being retired, there were many things in life that Tom enjoyed; his family, his friends, his newly built “beautiful” garage/workshop, golf league(s), a good fire-pit, season tickets to Army Football, his kegerator, coaching sports, umpiring baseball, Saturday trips to the landfill, grilling meats to perfection, The Little League World Series, Penn State RV trips, proper lawn maintenance, garage beers, carpentry, busting chops, camping, true crime tv, helping others, and the NY LOTTO- “you’ve got to be in it to win it” he’d always say.

Tom was a proud father of his two children, Bethany and Eric; and a loving husband and partner to his wife Cindy for 38 years.  Tom was also a caring son, grandson, brother, brother in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, great-uncle, son in-law, and a friend to many. He leaves a countless number of family and friends to mourn his physical presence.

Cremation will take place privately and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date for family and friends to gather and celebrate Tom’s life and memories.

Memorial contributions can be made in Thomas’ name to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry of the Wallkill Reformed Church, PO Box 54, Wallkill, NY 12589 or The Wallkill Lions Club, PO Box 456, Wallkill, NY 12589.

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