Thomas M. Hampson

1929 - 2016

BORN

1929

DIED

2016

About

Cornell University

Thomas Hampson Obituary

Hampson, Thomas M.

Rochester: Passed away peacefully in Rochester, NY, on November 9, 2016, at the age of 87. He was a devoted husband, jazz enthusiast extraordinaire, and an avid bird watcher.

Tom was predeceased by his beloved wife of 46 years, Zena Hampson, on October 5, 2016; and by his parents, Harold S. and Louise Goetchius Hampson; his brother, Rodney L. Hampson; sister-in-law, Janet Hampson; and step-son, Jeffrey Shumsky.

Tom is survived by brother, H. Robert Hampson of Warren, PA; sister-in-law, Roberta Hampson of E. Syracuse, NY; daughter, Melissa H. (Eric) Christianson of Rochester, NY; son, Douglas M. (wife Mary Lee) Hampson of Bass Harbor, ME; step-son, Paul (wife Penny Field) Shumsky of E. Hartford, CT; grandson, Alexander H. (Erin) Efron of Brooklin, ME; grandson, Nathaniel S. Efron of Boston, MA; his former wife, Margaret C. Hampson of Ithaca, NY; one niece and three nephews.

Tom was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on February 18, 1929. He graduated from Warren, PA high school, Cornell University (A.B.) in 1951, and Cornell Law School (LL.B. with distinction) in 1955. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force (1951-1953).

Tom was admitted to the Bar in New York in 1955, the U.S. District Court (Western District) in New York in 1955, and the United States Supreme Court in 1964. He was an associate with Harris, Beach, Wilcox, Rubin & Levey, Rochester, NY (1955-1962) and a partner with Harris Beach LLP, Rochester, NY (1962-1999).

He engaged in many civic activities in Rochester, often serving as Board Member, Chairman, Director, President, or Trustee: American Civil Liberties Union of New York State - Genesee Valley Chapter; Community Music Service Inc. (WCMF); Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology; Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library; Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; Hochstein School of Music and Dance; Monroe County Fair Campaign Practices Committee; Philosophers' Club of Rochester; Rochester City Club; Rochester Civil Service Commission; Rochester Public Library; and various other organizations.

Jazz music was his passion. He loved teaching others about jazz, and especially promoting local talent on his weekly radio programs. This began on WNAE in Warren, PA and on daily programs at student-operated radio station WVBR-AM at Cornell University (1947-1951). In 1960, he was a founding member of WCMF in Rochester, where he had a weekly jazz program called "The Jazz Scene" from 1960-1980. He hosted his jazz program "Jazz Notes" on WXXI-FM from 1979-1981, "Mostly Jazz" on WXXI-AM from 1985-2010 and "Jazz from the Cellar" on WXXI-AM and WRUR-FM from 2010-2016. In addition, he was a columnist for City Newspaper, reviewing jazz music and local artists from 1983-1988.

Memorial donations may be made to the Thomas M. Hampson Memorial Fund (Attn: Membership), WXXI Public Broadcasting Council, 280 State Street, P.O. Box 30021, Rochester, NY 14603-3021.

A memorial gathering will be held early in 2017.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Nov. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hampson

8 Entries

Tom Pethic

January 14, 2017

I am truly honored to have been asked to speak at Tom Hampson's Memorial Service. Tom Hampson was a unique gentleman. His brilliant, insightful and informative commentary made his show very entertaining. To my ears, Tom was not a Jazz DJ. He was a jazz radio personality, to say the least. Listening to Tom's show was like listening to your grandfather speak about the past. He was a word-smith! You felt as if he was talking to only you. All that may have been missing was a rocking chair and a pipe. Tom was truly a breath-of-fresh-air, in a jazz radio world, that at times can be somewhat stuffy and long-winded! My program ends at 7pm and I would often tune into Tom's show on my way home. His tendency to promote the local jazz scene was greatly appreciated by the musicians who continue to carry on this wonderful American art form. On behalf of all of us at Jazz 90.1 and from one Tom to another, thanks for the musical memories Mr. Hampson. There Will Never Be Another You!

Nina Sikand

January 13, 2017

Tom's death has robbed my quality of life. I love jazz, but tuned in primarily to listen to his take on it, as only he could do. I do hope public radio will air regular reruns.

Dan Bindert

November 16, 2016

I was a long time admirer of Tom's work as a jazz radio host. It was fun to hear him present a sometimes unexpected take on the music, for instance demonstrating how a jazz musician like Eric Dolphy may have been influenced not just by "Bird" but by actual birds (Tom knew as much about birds as he did about jazz.) I had the pleasure of getting to know him and engineering his show occasionally at WXXI back in the 1990s. A wonderful man.

November 14, 2016

Although this phrase was used by another writer, I believe it bears repeating as it befit Tom like no one else I know. He was a true gentleman and scholar. I am so glad that I was able to get to know him even a little bit. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Dean and Dawn Sorenson

November 14, 2016

I was saddened to learn of Tom's death. For over 50 years I admired him as an outstanding lawyer, committed citizen, jazz enthusiast and friend.

Nick Robfogel

Tim Madigan

November 13, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about Tom's death. He was a true gentleman and scholar, and I am glad I had the chance to know him. Would that there were many more like him - the world would then be a much better place.

Rod Blumenau

November 13, 2016

Tom was a man of strong convictions. Thank goodness one of them was the value of jazz music! Tom was a true friend of jazz, and always a joy to be around. He will be missed. My condolences to his family, friends, and all the jazz musicians in town!

Rod Vane

November 12, 2016

We have listened to "Jazz from the cellar" for many years in fact are listening to his show at this writing and have thoroughly appreciated his choices and his presentation of the pieces he is playing. He will be greatly missed though we can be thankful for his work over these many years in support of jazz especially as it relates tot he local jazz scene.

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