Tom lived a life full of heart — quite literally. After receiving a heart transplant at Cleveland Clinic in 2002, he made the most of every one of the more than twenty extra years he was given, filling them with family, community, and the game he loved.
Tom was the beloved husband of Barbara and cherished father of Kathryn (Joe) Griffo and Joseph (Kara) Huntley, brother of the late Jeanne (John) and late Jim (Marianne).
He took the greatest pride and joy in being “Grandpa Tom” to Gabi, Joey, Jackson, Ella, and Patrick, who could always count on him to be there, cheering them on in whatever they pursued.
That love of the game ran deep — Tom was one of the founding fathers of the Lou Gehrig Youth Baseball League, helping build something that gave generations of kids a place to play, learn, and grow. It stands today as one of his proudest legacies.
Tom passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with a serious infection, surrounded by the family he cherished. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cleveland Clinic, in gratitude for the extra years of life and love Tom was given.
Thomas was a resident of Williamsville, New York.
