Thomas J. Tucker

Thomas John Tucker, 82, passed away on March 12, 2025, at Samaritan Medical Center. Tom passed peacefully surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.  
Born on January 22, 1943, in Brownville, New York. Thomas—known to many as Tom, or “Pa” to his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren—grew up in the area and graduated from General Brown High School in 1961. Shortly after graduation, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He dedicated 21 years to military service before transitioning into civilian life.  
Following his military career, Tom worked for the Watertown Daily Times for 20 years, followed by taking a position with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYSDOCCS) as a food service administrator, at the Watertown Correctional Facility. He remained in that role for another two decades until his well-earned retirement.  
Beyond his professional life, Tom found joy in simple pleasures. He was an avid painter and gardener who took great pride in nurturing both his artwork and his plants. Birdwatching was another favorite pastime, offering him moments of peace and reflection. Tom was a well known figure at CanAm Speedway, where he spent many summer nights in the concession stand. Tom enjoyed traveling all over the country with his wife Mabel in their RV, after retirement. Above all, you could always find Tom somewhere along the Lake Ontario shoreline. 
His beloved dog, Princess (known as his favorite child), was a constant companion, bringing him much happiness over the years.
Above all else, Tom cherished time spent with family and delighted in watching his great-grandchildren play.  
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mabel; his sisters Mary Katta and Ethel Tucker; his children Carol (Steven) Oliver, John Tucker, and Susan (John) Heise; grandchildren Joe (Shanna) Oliver, Drew (Taylor) Heise, and Shawn (Stacy) Kelley; and great-grandchildren Paislee, Rylee, Emberlee, and Brooks; and two nieces Michelle Kuras, and Jeanette Katta.  
He was predeceased by his parents, John and Hilda (Hoselton) Tucker, as well as his brother Leonard Tucker.  
Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson's Funeral Home on William Street in Dexter, New York. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the same location, with a luncheon to follow at the Dexter American Legion.

Burial with military honors will be held on Friday, May 16th at 11 a.m. in the Dexter Cemetery. 

Tom’s memory will live on through those who knew and loved him. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name can be made to the Dexter Methodist Food Bank, and The Shriners Hospital for Children.

Online condolences may be shared at www.dexterfuneralhome.com

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