Obituary of Thomas J. Wilson

Elmira:  Age 71, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2023.  Tom was born and raised in Elmira, a son of the late Don and Peg “Cookie” (Sheehan) Wilson.  In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by brothers, Jerry and Jimmy, nephew Jason Janowsky, cousin and close friend Terry Sheehan, mother-in-law Nancy “Mana” Cleary.  Tom is survived by his wife Kristen; children, Connor, Kelsy and Breton; siblings, and their families, Beth and Bob Darmstadt with children, Michael (Sara), Jill, David (Erica), and Julie Mandia; Diane and Tom Booth with children, Amy (Stephen) VanHouten, Rebecca (Scott) Kotwas and Ed (Courtney) Booth; Terry Wilson (Jimmy’s wife) with children, Ted (Xan), Michele (Leif) Ericksen, Matt (Elyse) , and Erica (Jose) Porchas; Deb and Gary Geiger with children, Hillary (Justin) Evert and Janine (Nate) Shinagawa; Meggie and Tony Denicola with children, Bridget (Frank Manino) Katie (Jake) Prechtl, and Sean (Monique); father-in-law Jerry Cleary; brothers-in-law, Kevin (Kim Casper) Cleary with son Nick (Nicolette Giordano); Keith (Jen) Cleary with children, Julianna, Tim, and Ella; along with grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and many good friends. 

Tom was a 1971 graduate of EFA where he was an outstanding wrestler, placing third in his junior year and senior year in the NYS Wrestling Championship.  He was part of EFA’s powerhouse wrestling program, instrumental in the program’s 59 match unbeaten streak.   Tom proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1972 – 1974.  He continued his education at SUNY Oswego and Buffalo State University where he received his Master’s Degree in Education.  Tom joined the Peace Corps, teaching at a school for the blind in South Korea.  After South Korea he moved to Brooklyn NY and taught at United Cerebral Palsy.  Brooklyn is where he met his beloved wife Kristen and had his three children.  In 2002 Tom moved his family to Elmira where he was a teacher in the Elmira City School District, retiring in 2017.  Tom was a member of the American Legion Post #443, AOH - Msgr. John J. Lee Division and a member and past-commander of the VFW #6083.

Tom was known as someone who would lend a hand to anybody who needed help and had a tool for every job.  He was known for his sense of humor and quick wit and could easily make anyone laugh.  Tom will forever be loved and missed.

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, on Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Tom on Monday, August 28, 2023, 12:00 noon, at St. Patrick’s Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira.   In honor of Tom’s service in the US Marine Corps, military honors will be accorded outside of church, following the Mass.

Officers and members of the AOH, Msgr. John J. Lee Division will meet at McInerny Funeral Home on Sunday, August 27^th, at 12:40 p.m. to conduct a service for our brother Tom.  Signed Fran Whitford, president.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of Tom to the Arctic League, P O Box 113, Elmira NY 14902