Tom was one of the nicest humans you could ever meet. He was always generous with his time. Tom had a great eye, he had a better heart, and a smile that will remain forever in my heart. I met Tom first through Elliot, his neighbor. Tom knew both my twin brother and me. He loved to hear about our lives. Tom, if you are reading this from Heaven, Hello from Switzerland. Tom is FOREVER!!!!

Diane, I have so many fond memories of the lively conversations with Tom at the parties we attended together in the 80s. I also remember Tom at the AKG he was such a important person there with his artistic sensibility

Tom was a friend who always made you smile.  He was a devoted family man, who loved his grandchild so much he told me she totally changed his life.  I always looked forward to times when Tom and Diane would join  our retired AKAG family for dinner’s. R.I.P. my friend, I will miss you.

Dear Loonans, 
I just want to write a note here about my memories of Tom (Mr. Loonan as we called him). His son, Eric, and I were friends for most of our childhood, and with his cousin Jim and other Buffalo kids, we would spend a lot of weekends at the Loonan household. Tom Loonan was often there (sometimes schooling us in backyard basketball), and we were all in awe of his knowledge of music and art. And in awe especially of his CD collection. I remember fondly just pressing play on random CDs loaded into his stereo and blissfully lying on the floor listening (later, Tom told me it was The Stone Roses' "I wanna be adored", and after that a Yo La Tengo album). Tom was very generous with his knowledge and very kind (even when he teased me about how lousy Depeche Mode were, haha). He talked to us young teens like grown-ups, and it made you feel grown (in a good wayǃ). I looked up to Tom tremendously, and I am sad to not be able to say goodbye in person. We are all lucky that we got to know him. - Nik Rolle (Princeton, NJ)

There are no accolades that can adequately describe what an amazing man Tom was.  Kind, loving, supportive, wonderful sense of humor, intelligent and not to mention so very handsome.  From the moment Diane brought him home, we all fell in love.  My dad, Uncle Bob, was not easily impressed, but boy did Tom impress him. He became a beloved member of our family.  He was the man Diane deserved.  I wish there was more time, more trips to Florida and more wonderful conversations about art!  He was a walking encyclopedia of artists and I loved his thoughts about them.  He will be sorely missed and his memory will live on through all of us who loved him!

To Diane, Eric, David, and the entire family,

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences on the loss of Tom.

Tom was truly one of the kindest and most genuine souls I have had the privilege of knowing. He was not only a wonderful colleague and friend, but someone whose presence made a difference to the people around him. His generosity, warmth, and willingness to help will always be remembered.

I have so many wonderful memories of our time together at the museum. Tom was always someone I could turn to whenever I had a question or needed help. Somehow, the answer was never “no.” He was always there, always willing to help, and always made you feel that whatever you needed mattered.

I will especially remember our lunches and the conversations we shared—talking about music, traveling, and life. Those simple moments became special memories, and I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to spend that time with him.

Even now, Tom often comes up in our departmental conversations. It is a testament to the lasting impression he made that, even though he is no longer with us, his name, his stories, and his kindness continue to be part of our lives.

I feel incredibly lucky to have known Tom and to have shared so many good moments with him. While we will deeply miss him, I hope that the memories of his friendship, his generosity, and the joy he brought to others will bring some comfort to you and your family.

With deepest sympathy and affection,

Imran

Tom was such a nice person and we loved hanging out with him and knowing him so well. He was a man of integrity and character and was so smart and super sweet to everybody. We will never forget him and his great legacy will live on in heaven.

Tom was a good person and a fabulous photographer!  Very generous to all who knew him. Sorry I won't be able to make his Memorial.
Ed Cavan

To Diane and family

We are so sorry for your loss and will keep Tom in our hearts forever.  We loved his humor, music and stories…and refusal to drink sub-standard red wine!

Love from Debbie and Tom

Dear Diane,
I am sorry to hear of your losd and I offer my condolences to you and your family.
I will offer will be offering a mass  for Tom
in my local church.
God bless to you and you family.
Joe Watts  UK

To Tom's entire family and extended network of friends, I'd like to send all of you strength and love as you navigate this painful time. 

I was lucky enough to work along side Tom for over 10+ years within the imaging department at the AKG. He was a truly kind, patient, helpful, and exceptional human and colleague. I knew I could always rely on him to meet me with a smile, day in and day out. He was a true asset to the museum and his legacy will carry on with every photo he captured. I miss him already <3

Wishing him and all of you peace and comfort, 
Kelly

To  Diane, Eric, David and the entire family — my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Tom was such a gentle soul. The world has lost one of the good ones.  When I moved to Buffalo and started work at the then Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Tom had just started working there too. He was a rock for the museum and our work there. We were colleagues and friends for more than 35 years. So MANY stories from those days … the long hours and endless demands Tom always met with grace and good humor. He will be missed. 
May his memory be a blessing❤️

OBITUARY

Thomas W. Loonan

April 8, 1955 – September 12, 2026

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

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