Thomas John Sarach

Thomas Sarach passed away on Tuesday, February 23 at Buffalo General Hospital at the age of 77. The second oldest of six, he was born in Buffalo, NY on May 22, 1943 to George and Lydia Sarach. Tom, and his wife Alice, resided in Hamburg, NY for the past 46 years.

A heavy equipment operator for Ford Motor Company, Tom retired in 2002 to spend more time with family and friends and to travel the country. Taking family on many trips, Tom and Alice visited 49 states, the exception being Alaska. They experienced the sweltering heat of boat tours in Key West, hail storms in South Dakota, rodeos in Cody, Wyoming and Calgary, Canada, whale watching up and down the east coast and amusement parks with the grandkids while traveling the country in an RV. Tom loved the outdoors and visited many national parks.

An avid fan of parties and sports, Tom followed his beloved New York Yankees and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He traveled to New York City and South Bend, Indiana with family and friends to attend games on many occasions. He travelled to all four Buffalo Bills Super Bowl appearances in the 90’s. He was always tailgating at the Bills Stadium. The Sarach home was always open to visitors. He loved a good party with family and friends. A beer and shot of Kessler or Slivovitz was always available to anyone at any time.

Tom was active in the community. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Hamburg Fire Department. He loved to be Santa Claus every December for more than 20 years. As Santa, he made appearances at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf, Roswell Park, Boys and Girls Clubs and many other organizations. He was known as Santa to the kids in the neighborhood.

He loved his motorcycles and boats. Tom owned many motorcycles and boats over his lifetime. His pride and joy was his Indian Trike he had until his passing. He loved to take Alice, his daughters, the grandkids and his dog, Shadow, on rides around the village.

Tom was a proud and loving father, husband, brother, uncle, father-in-law and friend. He forged individual relationships with each grandchild. He was their biggest fan at dance recitals, baseball games, hockey games and swim meets. He wanted them to see and experience the world, traveling with them on many of his adventures. He taught them how to be generous, passionate and hard working. He was always ready to help family and friends with any project. Building a porch or deck, putting in a floor, taking down a tree, or building a fence, he would be there.

Tom is survived by his wife Alice, two daughters, Lisa Samar and her husband John of Buffalo and Kim Switalski and her husband Michael of Buffalo; and brother Jim and sisters Linda Pasinski and Sharon Rooney with husband John; and grandchildren Lauren and Thomas Samar, Nicholas and Alexandra Switalski. He is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews.

The family respectfully requests any gifts be directed to The Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns (bgcnt.net) in the name of Thomas Sarach, in lieu of flowers.

Sto lat!