Thomas W. Coon

NILES - Thomas W. Coon, 57, of Old Salt Road, Niles, died Monday evening, Aug. 9, 2004, at his home, following a long illness.

Tom was born Dec. 10, 1946, in Auburn, the son of the late Edson Thomas and Christina West Coon, and had been a resident of Niles all of his life.

He was a graduate of Moravia Central School Class of 1965, and State University at Delhi, Class of 1968. He also attended the Culinary Institute of America. He was director of Food Services at SUNY Cortland from 1974 to 2003, when he retired, due to his illness. He was previously employed at the Reconstruction Home, Ithaca, and Syracuse University in food service.

Tom enjoyed cooking, camping, swimming and being with his family. He was a member of Midlake United Methodist Church in New Hope, and was active in politics, serving the Town of Niles for more than 30 years as a town justice or town councilman.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, the former Janice Lombardo of Niles; two sons, Mark (Katie) Coon of Fairport and Steven Coon at home; one granddaughter, Madelyn Coon; two brothers, Dale (Roberta) Coon of Staatsburg and Bruce (Carol) of Webster; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, at the Wade Funeral Home, 22 Church St., Moravia. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13, in Midlake United Methodist Church, New Hope. The Rev. Duane Dann and the Rev. Arthur Fellows, will officiate. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery.

Friends wishing, may send memorial contributions to New Hope Fire Department Rescue, New Hope Road, Moravia, NY 13118 or Diabetes Association, 356 N. Midler Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206.