Thomas Cuomo

Whitehall – Thomas Cuomo, ninety-one, passed away on Friday, July 7th, 2017.  Tom was born in Schenectady, New York, on October 7th, 1925, to parents Dominic and Anna (Suraci) Cuomo.  Tom married his wife, Grace Barton (predeceased) on February 10th, 1946.  They were happily married for seventy-one years, and Tom loved his “Gracie” with all his heart.  Even after Grace passed away, Tom’s love was just as strong, talking of her every day.

Tom served in the United States Army during World War II, helping to recruit and enlist soldiers.  After serving his country, Tom moved to Whitehall, where he started a successful business, Champlain Beef, Co.  Tom built Champlain Beef with his two sons, Barton Cuomo (predeceased) and Jeffrey Cuomo, as well as his grandson Joshua Cuomo.  Tom worked hard every day, riding around the countryside to buy cows for the business.  Even in his final years he rode with his sons to visit farmers to continue buying cows.  Tom worked tirelessly to make a successful business, providing for his family throughout his life.  He was very proud of the business he and his family built.  

During the rare times when Tom was not working, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, taking her to dinners and movies.  In their later years, his son Bart and daughter-in-law Jeannie would drive Tom and Grace to dinner every Sunday and for rides in the country.  He also enjoyed playing cards and dice, often sharing stories about his luck during games.  Tom also loved spending time with his large family, celebrating every holiday from birthday parties to the Fourth of July at his summer house in Huletts Landing. 

During his final months, Tom spent much of his time visiting with friends and family in Whitehall.  He loved eating good Italian food, especially cannoli pastries, as well as drinking diet coke and the “occasional” glass of wine.  Tom also enjoyed going to breakfast and church on Sundays with his son, Jeff, who acted as his primary caregiver after Grace’s passing.  Just as Grace was the glue holding the family together, Tom was the pillar that held the family up.  We will miss him dearly. 

Tom is predeceased by his siblings Ralph Cuomo, Alfonso “Foxy’ Cuomo, Louis Cuomo, Patrick Cuomo, and Lucy Cuomo.  He is also predeceased by his wife, Grace Barton, and son, Barton Cuomo.  He is survived by son Jeffrey Cuomo (Pamela) and daughter Marcia Grady (John).  Tom is also survived by his grandchildren Jason Grady (Chrstine); Josh Cuomo (Heather); Grace Cuomo Durfee (Seth); Shannon Mowatt (Jared); Heather Cuomo Wescott (Scott); Megan Cuomo; and Shelby Cuomo.  He is also survived by his nine great-grandchildren Olivia and Ava Ruby; Quinn and Wyatt Durfee; Aiden, Thea, and Lark Mowatt; Riley Cuomo; and Alexander Grady. 

The family would like to thank Tom’s caregivers, especially Kristi Jones and Susie Potter.  The family would also like to thank the Albany Medical Center for taking exceptional care of Tom during his time there.  Pallbearers are Jeff Cuomo, Joshua Cuomo, Seth Durfee, Jared Mowatt, Scott Wescott, and Jason Grady. 

Family and Friends may call at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams Street, Whitehall, NY, for both Tom and Bart, on Sunday, July 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 a.m on Monday July 10, 2017 at the Our Lady of Hope Church, 9 Wheeler Avenue, Whitehall, NY with Rev. Rendell Torres officiating.  Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family at the Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.  A celebration of Tom’s and Bart’s lives will follow the mass at the Fair Haven Inn, Fair Haven, Vermont. 

The Whitehall American Legion Post 83 will conduct a Legionnaires Service at 8:00pm Monday at the funeral home. The Whitehall BPOE Elks will conduct a Lodge of Sorrow at 8:15pm.

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