Mr. Thomas A. "Tommy" Waters, Sr.

Mr. Thomas A. “Tommy” Waters, Sr., age 72, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully as he went home to the Lord on Thursday, November 3, 2016 in the comfort of his home. Born in Gainesville, Florida on April 7, 1944, Thomas was the son of the late Cecil O. and Leola (Faircloth) Waters. He was raised and educated in Gainesville. In 1962, during the Vietnam Era, Tommy enlisted in the United States Air Force serving 4 years as a Munitions Specialist. He re-enlisted in 1966 and served in Germany; he was honorably discharged due to an injury. On May 13, 1967 he married the former Mary Restifo; they were as much in love on the last day as they were on the first day of their nearly 50 years of marriage. Tommy was employed by the United States Postal Service for 30 years, retiring as a Supervisor at the Pitcher Street Main Branch. Concurrently, he worked as a roofer, remodeler, and siding installer. He pursued higher education while working the long day, by attending Utica School of Commerce, and earned a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from SUNY Institute of Technology. Tommy was a fine example to his family of what can be achieved through force of will and hard work. His pursuit of knowledge knew no bounds. Tommy stepped up to the task in all his roles and responsibilities throughout his life — as patriarch, patriot, craftsman, carpenter, student, civil servant — he always soldiered on with a positive attitude. He was honest and forthright in his beliefs. He was very detailed in promoting his views and asked others to be open-minded to them and maybe benefit from his knowledge. He engaged in conversation with a positive perspective, and he was a great counselor. He lived by the mantra that “the family under his roof came first”, and he was the mortar that kept his loved ones together. Every holiday was made special by being all together, and Tommy was the “round-up guy”. He was the prime mover of the family and he made every day special and memorable, even an ordinary get-together. Tommy was entranced by genealogy and traced his ancestors back to the Civil War through ancestry.com. The final compilation of his family tree was a tribute to his tenacity in completing the task. That was just Tommy. He enjoyed ‘alone time’ fishing, but when he brought his nephews along, these boys became boisterous buddies and sometimes the only thing they came home with was “a buzz”. He was fond of snowmobiling, and motorcycling, many times riding the Interstates to Florida on his Honda Gold Wing. He enjoyed the outdoors and times well spent camping in Forestport with his family. He appreciated nature in so many ways: by birdwatching, the beauty of the Adirondacks, or just being outdoors doing home maintenance. He was a member of the American Legion/Leon R. Roberts Post #161, Holland Patent. He became actively involved by his brother-in-law Tony Corelli’s bidding and was elected to Adjutant. He creatively compiled the monthly newsletter for many years, completed through this November. He was a member of the Ilion Fish and Gun Club and enjoyed spending time with Sal. He upheld his civic commitments and at one time, he belonged to the local Civil Air Patrol. Tommy was a spiritual man, and he lived his life as a good Christian. Thomas is survived by his wife, Mary; his children and their loves, Marie Elaina and Thomas Temple, and Thomas A., Jr. and Traci Waters. He was a wonderful grandfather, affectionately known to them as “Deedee”, Anthony Morbidini, Brandon Weber, and Joseph Putrelo; Molli Wright, Dakota Nelson, Jordynn Waters, and Miranda Waters. Always close to his heart was the memory of his first granddaughter, Amber R. Waters, who passed away on February 17, 2014. He was awaiting the anticipated arrival of his first great-grandchild. He also leaves his sister, Elwanda Waters and her friend Mike; his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Carmelita Franco, Betty DiNardo, Dominick Restifo, Philip and Geri Restifo, and Nancy and Anthony Corelli. He was predeceased by his sister, Yolanda Wittington; and his in-laws, Carmen DiNardo, and Anthony “Gig” Franco. The family is grateful to Dr. Martin Morell, Dr. Domenic Aiello, and Dr. Roger Breslow for their medical expertise; the First Responders and Utica EMT’s for their valiant efforts; and the doctors, nurses, and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center who provided direction and honest advice during a difficult time. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Flowers are graciously accepted. Memorial contributions in Tommy’s memory may be considered to The American Legion/Leon R. Roberts Post #161, Holland Patent; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Thomas’ funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta with Military Honors conferred. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN”

Mr. Thomas A. "Tommy" Waters, Sr.

April 7, 1944 - November 3, 2016