Thomas VanDerhoof

Mr. Thomas E. VanDerhoof, age 72, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at the Masonic Care Community of NY with his family by his side. Born in Hornell NY on October 14, 1933, Tom was the son of the late Thomas W. and Martha E. (Edmond) VanDerhoof. He was raised and educated in Dansville NY. He began his collegiate studies at Colgate University and then graduated from Alfred University where he majored in history. Later, upon continuing his academic career at Cortland, he earned a Master’s Degree in counseling. During his college years, Tom participated in the ROTC program and then served with the US Army as a reservist with the 414th Civil Affairs Unit. On April 11, 1959 he married the former Angela J. Zegarelli with whom he has celebrated a 47-year union. Throughout their marriage, Tom and Angela shared a mutual devotion which truly graced their years together. In addition, the blessing of children and the joy of their family life enhanced their lives. He was never happier than when he was enjoying the affection, warmth, and company of his family, especially when they were gathered for the celebration of traditional events. Mr. VanDerhoof spent his professional life serving the community, especially its children in the Utica City School District as a teacher of history and science as well as a professional social worker. Tom was appointed to the perfect position as a counselor working at Utica Free Academy where he offered his service to students for many years until ill health necessitated his retirement. The many who were the recipients of Mr. VanDerhoof’s unique and understanding brand of wisdom and guidance will always remember him and will appreciate the genuine concern that he had for each of them. Tom also was active with the teachers’ union, serving his colleagues and his community with honor and integrity as a union representative and a contract negotiator. For Tom, the most significant and meaningful achievements of his life were: his commitment to his chosen profession of teacher and counselor; his ability to share his knowledge with others, especially in the field of history; his influential, inspiring, and devoted relationships with the students he mentored; and his service to his fellow teachers through his work with the union. Teaching, advising, negotiating—“That was what Tom was.” Tom was an astute gentleman and an engaging conversationalist. He loved animals, adventure, and nature, the latter an appreciation he passed on to his daughter, Becky. When his health declined, he was steadfast and optimistic in the face of adversity and illness, as well as disciplined and fastidious in dealing with his situation and his own care. In fact, it was his faith in himself and his belief in his own strength that were major factors in his ability to valiantly carry on the struggle and to never give up. In his leisure time, Tom was an avid reader whose interests covered a wide and diverse range of subjects. A knowledgeable gardener and a meticulous landscaper, he also loved to tend his yard and garden. Mr. VanDerhoof was a valued member of many professional, civic, and charitable organizations, including the following: the NYS United Teachers’ Retired Assn.; the Utica Teachers Assn.; the National Education Assn.; Utica Lodge # 49 F.A.&M., Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Utica; the Ziyara Temple of the Shriners where he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps; and the Board of Managers of Faxton Hospital. A member of Grace Episcopal Church, Tom served the parish community with great devotion as an usher and at one time as a church trustee. Mr. VanDerhoof is survived by his wife Angela; his children, Major Thomas Scott VanDerhoof U.S.A.F. and his wife, Jann, of San Antonio TX, Rebecca A. VanDerhoof of Utica, and Heidi VanDerhoof Fonner and Michael Coluzza of Utica; and two grandchildren, Matthew Vincent Fonner and Emma Jo Fonner. He is also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Gretchen and Donald Slate of Scotia NY; a number of nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Anna and Rick Gargiulo; his cousins; his in-laws, the members of the Zegarelli and Arcuri families; and his very special and very loyal friends, Michael and Russell Humphrey who visited him frequently and faithfully throughout his illness. He was predeceased by his in-laws, Vincent and Josephine Zegarelli. The family offers its heartfelt gratitude to Tom’s primary physician, Dr. Thomas Spath for his professional service and his personal friendship, as well as to the many caregivers in the medical and nursing professions throughout the greater Utica area who tended to and enhanced Tom’s quality of life during the 18 years of his illness, especially the personnel of the Albany Unit of the Masonic Care Community of NY. Visitation will be held today (Wednesday) from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. At 6:30 this evening the members of Utica Lodge # 47 of the F.A.& M. will assemble for ritualistic services. By family request, please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial offerings in Tom’s honor to the Children’s Services of the ARC, Oneida and Lewis Counties Chapter in gratitude for the services that this outstanding organization has provided for his grandson, Matthew; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mr. VanDerhoof’s funeral services which will be conducted with Military Honors on Thursday morning at 11:00 at Grace Episcopal Church. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Thomas VanDerhoof

October 14, 1933 - May 28, 2006