Thomas E. Gaygen

Thomas E. Gaygen, of Lockport, NY, entered into rest Wednesday, December 23, 2009, in Eastern Niagara Hospital, Lockport. Born March 31, 1950, in Lockport, he was the son of William "Bill" and Shirley A. Dernehl Gaygen. Tom worked for Delphi Thermal Systems for 30 years, retiring in July 2006. He had previously worked for the New York State Telephone Company and was employed at Teletech in Niagara Falls for the past year. Tom was a board member and a founding member of the Lockport Community Band. He was also a board member for the Historic Palace Theatre, as well as being awarded its 2009 Volunteer of the Year. Tom was a founding member of the "Pitsters", which is the Historic Palace Pit Band, and was a member of the former Screwball Club. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Paula Zimmerman Gaygen. Father of David Z. Gaygen of Lockport. Brother of Daniel (Judy) Gaygen of Ithaca, NY and William "Keeta" (Kelly) Gaygen of Gasport. Son-in-law of Edith Zimmerman of Gasport and the late Norman F. Zimmerman. Tom is also survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Relatives and friends may call on Sunday from 4-8 PM at Gaul Funeral Home, 263 East Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday in St. John the Baptist Church, 168 Chestnut St., at 1:30 PM. Interment in Cold Spring Cemetery. If desired, donations in Tom's name to the Lockport Community Band, 5507 Forest Hill Rd., Lockport, NY 14094, or the Historic Palace Theatre, 2 East Ave., Lockport, NY 14094 would be appreciated by the family. www.gaulfuneralhome.com to post a message of sympathy.