Thomas Hennessey

Thomas Hennessey passed away peacefully on September 1, 2015 at the age of 91 in Clermont Florida where he lived for over 17 years. Formerly of Miller Place, NY.Beloved husband of over 17 years of Doris Raynor Hennessey. Predeceased by his wife Eunice (Nickie) Hennessey. Beloved father of Kathleen Russo ---Nicholas Russo, Maureen Hennessey—Reginald Gant, Michael Hennessey---Donna Hennessey, Patrick Hennessey---Deborah Hennessey, Eileen Hennessey. Stepfather of Deborah Raynor Baird--Arlton, Susan Raynor Rendall--John, Sherry Raynor Steele --Dave, Cathy Raynor Doucette--Jim, Lawrence Raynor--Moira

Grandfather of Daniel Russo, Michael Russo, Jeannine Russo Mays, David Hennessey, Andrew Hennessey, Shauna Hennessey, Christine Hennessey and Erin Nicole Hennessey. Great grandfather of Nicholas Tai Russo.

Brother of Ann Caputi of Huntington, West Virginia. Pre-deceased by his brothers James, Matthew and Joseph. Brother in law to Trevor Eaton of Hythe, Kent, England. Proud uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Tom Hennessey had a long, distinguished career in service to his country and to his community. A veteran of World War II, he served as an officer in the United States Merchant Marine. For more than 20 years, he was the Proprietor of Calace Agency as a Real Estate and Insurance Agent. He served as a manager with Suffolk County Off Track Betting for over a decade, and was appointed in 1984 as the Suffolk County (NY) Commissioner of Jurors, a position he retired from after 11 years of Service.

A devoted Catholic he was active in Infant Jesus parish in Port Jefferson, NY and was a founding member of the St. Louis De Montfort parish in Sound Beach, NY. For the last 17 years of his life he and Doris were active members of the Blessed Sacrament parish in Clermont, Florida.

In addition to his service to his church, Dad believed in being actively engaged in his community. He served as a member and President of the Miller Place School Board. He was actively involved with the Miller Place Civic Association. Politics was a passion and he was actively involved in the Republican Parties of Brookhaven (NY) and Suffolk County (NY) for over four decades. He was also active in the Kings Ridge and Lake County (Florida) Republican Parties.

He was not afraid of long odds or “impossible dreams.” He encouraged his children to aim high and work hard to achieve their goals.

He loved music and dancing. He sang with gusto if not talent. He loved a good joke, clever gadgets, Sunday drives, a nice hat, feeding the birds, camping trips and all forms of chocolate. He was a traveler and visited five continents in his lifetime.

He said that he wanted to be known as a good husband, a good father, a good Catholic, a hard worker and an honest man. He succeeded on all counts. He greeted every day with a sense of purpose and personified perseverance, loyalty, generosity, integrity and resilience.

A lifetime supporter of Catholic education and a proud veteran, donations may be made in his name to Our Lady of Wisdom School --114-116 Myrtle Avenue, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, Phone 631-473-1211 or The Fisher House Foundation https://www.fisherhouse.org/