Thomas C. "Big Daddy" Mulchy, Sr.

Mr. Thomas C. “Big Daddy” Mulchy, Sr., age 55, of the Utica area, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2008 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center with the love and support of his wife and family by his side. Born in Utica on February 18, 1953, Thomas was the son of the late Charles and Elizabeth (McGuirl) Mulchy. Raised and educated locally, he was a 1972 graduate of Utica Free Academy. On September 4, 1976 he married the former Francine Spartano with whom he shared 32 years. As partners in life, they relied upon one another, and complemented each other’s strengths. Tom began his working career as a plumber steam-fitter at the Marcy Psychiatric Hospital, retiring in 1994 from the renamed Central New York Psychiatric Center at Marcy after 20 years of dedicated service. Tom had an affinity for the athleticism of his son, Tom, Jr. which prompted him to become a volunteer and a trained EMT Medic, serving the Whitesboro School District. Focusing on football and wrestling, he was also a coach for the middle school wrestling team, supporting the strength and development of those students. He traveled the United States and Puerto Rico which became a family affair and a rewarding experience. He had a passion for these sports and possessed a great need to help others, especially the youth who participated. Tom proudly served as past president of the Whitesboro Boosters Club in 1996. His medic training also led him to volunteer with the Schuyler Fire Department. Concurrently, he had been employed by Cornell Cooperative Extension as a job coordinator for the “green team” whose members worked on the beautification of the city of Utica. In 2000, Tom continued his education at M.V.C.C. earning an Associates degree in Recreation Leadership. Tom was a great dad and was so proud of his children. He instilled the wisdom which motivated his son and daughter to excel at their life goals. He also provided a joyful upbringing which included Sunday family ventures, summers at Cape Vincent which were the source of many of their fondest memories. He loved the water --- swimming, boating, fishing --- and enjoyed it with family and friends. He appreciated the winter sport of snowmobiling. Tom was a modest man who loved his family and lived life to the fullest. He honored his loved ones and his Irish heritage to the best of his ability. He was a parishioner of St. Mark’s Church. Tom is survived by his devoted wife, Francine; his daughter, Elizabeth “B” Mulchy of Syracuse and her friend Dave Harney; his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas C., Jr. and Melane Mulchy of Wellington, FL; and his granddaughter, Liliana Grace Mulchy. Survivors also include his sisters and brother-in-law, Carol and Jack McCarthy of Utica, and Kathleen Mulchy of AZ; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Michael and Cheryl Gossin of Chicago, Edward “Buddy” and Mary Mulchy of Alexandria Bay, and Timothy and Mary Mulchy of Albany; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and godchildren; and his in-laws, Frank and Angela Spartano of Sauquoit, and Jessica Spartano of Utica. He held close to his heart the many friendships he made during the years, with special mention of Bob and Linda Rose and family, Marlene and MaryLou, the Wenz family, and the Clayton McGowen family. The family extends gratitude to the numerous physicians, the outstanding attending doctors, hospitalists, nurses, and staff of the St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Emergency Room, and Intensive Care Unit who were so personal in their care of Tom, his wife, and family. They hold dear the relationships that were established and will be cherished in their memories; the Acacia Home Care, especially his aide, Jen, and his physical therapist, Shelly; Utica Fire Department Rescue 1 for their response time and personal concern; and Fr. Lucian Urbaniak for his spiritual commitment throughout their lives, as well as Fr. Richard O’Neill for his years of friendship. Visitation will be held Thursday (today) from 4:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Tom’s funeral service will commence on Friday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home and at 11:00 at St. Mark’s Church on Keyes Road where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery.

Thomas C. "Big Daddy" Mulchy, Sr.

February 18, 1953 - October 13, 2008