Thomas Merrigan Giddings

LYONS– Tom Giddings, 71, lifelong resident of Lyons, New York, passed away in Melbourne, Florida on Friday (February 2, 2018) after bravely fighting a long illness, the result of exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam, where he served our country during three tours in the United States Army, in special forces as a LRRP, part of the 75th Infantry Airborne Ranger Unit, G Company. Tom earned the rank of E 5 Sergeant and was awarded various medals, including 4 Bronze Stars. At the time of his passing, Tom was surrounded by his beloved children and friends and his faithful, four legged companion, "Gleeson."

Friends may call on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Boeheim-Pusateri Funeral Home, 77 William St., Lyons. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday 10 a.m., at St. Joseph the Worker (St. Michael's) Lyons, New York. Following the church service, a reception for friends and family to further celebrate Tom's life will be held at the VFW. Burial will on Wednesday (February 14) at 10:30 a.m., at South Lyons Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Tom was a graduate of Lyons High School Class of 1964 and Mansfield University Class of 1968, where he played college football while earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in secondary education. He completed graduate studies at Oswego State University College. Tom taught high school English in Auburn, N.Y. for 35 years before retiring in 2003. Tom loved all things "Irish", including Notre Dame football, his trips to the Emerald Isle, St. Patrick's Day celebrations and various other Irish traditions and practices, including his devotion to his Catholic faith. He loved playing golf and was a member of Wayne Hills Country Club for many years. He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. Tom was an active, devoted member of Ascension Catholic Church of Melbourne, Florida. He received his last blessing and communion from his friend Sister Immaculata Knox.

He is survived by his loving children Shaunessy Lynn Giddings (Michael George) of Orlando, Fla., and Michael Patrick Giddings (Brittney Lamphier) of Geneva; step-daughter Rebecca Ann Hauck of San Francisco, Calif.; brother, William Giddings (Dawn Maines) of Stone Mountain, Ga.; godson, Zachary Reynolds, of Chicago, Ill.; his dear friend Linda Elstone of Melbourne, Fla.; his faithful companion, Gleeson; and many lifelong friends and family.

Tom was predeceased by his father, Harry S. Giddings; and his very Irish mother, Loretta Gleason Merrigan Giddings.

Arrangements by Boeheim-Pusateri Funeral Home, Lyons NY. Visit www.pusaterifunerals.com