Thomas J. Trelease Sr.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 at A.O. Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta, NY.

Thomas was born on January 10, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of William and Amelia Elizabeth (Siefert) Trelease. He was pre-deceased by his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Margaret (Marge) E. Trelease.

Thomas served our nation honorably in the Navy as Chief Quartermaster and Navigator on Landing Ship Tank 834(LST 834) in the South Pacific during World War II. After the war, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Rutgers University, and later a Masters degree in Special Education, from Kean University in NJ. Thomas pursued his career in journalism and advertising until 1972. After completing his Masters degree in 1974, he devoted the remainder of his career to teaching mentally handicapped children. In 1988 he and his wife, Marge, moved from their home in Westfield, NJ to Maryland, NY upon his retirement from teaching at Somerville High School in New Jersey.

Thomas enjoyed traveling, playing golf, wine making and he was an avid reader. He was also an accomplished artist and left many wonderful drawings and paintings, most notably of lighthouses.

Thomas is survived by his children, Thomas J. Trelease, Jr. and his wife, Laurie of Oneonta, Donna M. Loraine and her husband, Steve of Elmhurst, Illinois and Timothy J. Trelease and his wife, Frances of Oxford, Connecticut. He is also survived by his brother Richard Trelease of Ohio, and his sister, Mae Indyke, of New Jersey.

Thomas had a special place in his heart for all of his grandchildren: Lisa Gosweiler, Kim Lisowski, Eric Trelease, Andrew Trelease, Aaron Trelease and Bonnie Trelease; and his great grandchildren, J.T. and Amanda Gosweiler, Eleora, Silas and Abraham Trelease.

There will be no calling hours or services.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.