Mr. Thomas H. "Tom" Gowett

CLEARWATER FL/UTICA/ROME - Mr. Thomas H. “Tom” Gowett, age 69, currently of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on Friday, May 25, 2018 in Florida with his loving family by his side. Born in Saranac Lake, NY on April 13, 1949, Thomas was the son of the late Ralph H. and June R. Gowett. He relocated to the Utica area as a young man. At one time, he was wed to the former Frances Russell, and during their 47 years together, they were blessed with three children. Tom worked in his profession as a machinist at Chicago Pneumatic and Bendix Corporation. He also held a position at Riverside Materials. Lastly, he was employed by the Turning Stone Casino. Tom was a kind, gentle soul. He enjoyed the simple things in life and he appreciated them. He encouraged his girls to work hard and be the best they could be. He was a devoted grandpa who watched over his grandsons, and a proud great-grandpa. In his journey of life, he searched for his purpose and did the best he could. With his carefree attitude, Tom did not worry about the next day; he lived each day with a purpose. His dad was a mechanic, and Tom inherited from him an innate love for automobiles and fancy trucks. He also enjoyed long drives and taking in the sights. He accomplished a lifelong dream when he moved to Florida to enjoy the ocean, the warm weather, and the trips back north in the summer months. The tropical palm trees of Florida fascinated him but the stately pines of the beautiful Adirondacks hailed him home for a visit every year. In looking back, we know that Tom was totally happy with spaghetti and meatballs, a cold brew, and a cigarette,… right to the end. He was a down-to-earth man with a simple mission in life —- to love his family, his work, his environment, and his time on earth. Tom is survived by his devoted first love Fran Gowett, daughters and son-in-law, Jennifer A. and David M. Viti, and Donna Gowett. Always close to his heart was the memory of his daughter, Tracey J. Gowett who passed away on April 12, 2004. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren, David M., and Matthew T. Viti, and Jeana Viti and Rob Hofler; his great-granddaughter, Alivia; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Sue and Lynn Dote, Sharon Gowett-Calhoun, Sandy Lindsay, and Patricia and Harold Eddy; his brothers and sister-in-law, Timothy “Timmy” Gowett, with whom he shared a special bond and who was by his side until he passed, and James “Jimmy” and Mary Gowett; and his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and his aunt Leona Clark who watched over his wellbeing whenever Tom needed her. He shared a faithful friendship and bond with his cousin Butch, throughout the years. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Harold and Anna Russell. A Memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 from 3:00-4:00 pm at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Tom’s Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 at the funeral home at the conclusion of the gathering with Pastor David Ossenfort officiating the ceremony. In lieu of floral offerings, memorial contributions in Tom’s honor may be made to the Suncoast Hospice Care Center online at https://suncoasthospice.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mr. Thomas H. "Tom" Gowett

April 13, 1949 - May 25, 2018