Thomas K. Alger

Boonville - Thomas K. Alger, a lifelong resident of the Golden/West Leyden Road, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at home on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the age of 75.

Thomas was born on October 2, 1950, a son of the late Arthur (Jack) Miller and Allie Pettigrew Alger. He learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and the simple joys of country living growing up on the family farm. He attended and graduated from Adirondack Central School in 1968, and continued his post-secondary education at Morrisville Community College, where he earned an Associate's degree in animal husbandry. On April 27, 1974, Thomas married the love of his life, JoAnne Oleynick at St. Francis Catholic Church in Durhamville, NY. They settled in Boonville, and raised their three children, Amanda, Jeffrey, and Arthur. The Alger farm was always a hot spot for family and social gatherings of all kinds, which Thomas greatly enjoyed hosting.

In 1986, Thomas ventured into local business ownership. He proudly owned and operated the Ben Franklin store as well as the Park Hotel, two establishments that became community fixtures under his care. His kindness, reliability, and commitment to quality service made both places feel like home for longtime residents and visitors alike.

Later in life, Thomas drove school bus for the Adirondack Central School District. For many students, he was the familiar, friendly face who greeted them each morning and wished them well each afternoon. He treated every child with respect, patience, and genuine care, becoming a memorable part of countless childhoods. Driving school bus allowed him to attend many of his own children's sporting events as their number one fan. Thomas retired from ACS after 20 years of service.

While in retirement, Thomas enjoyed working on and driving his hot rods, spending time with his grandchildren, and being the unofficial mayor of the Stewart's coffee crew on Post Street. He loved to share stories and photos of his children and grandchildren's accomplishments and how proud he was of them all.

Thomas will be remembered for always saying what everyone else was thinking, his steady work ethic, witty sense of humor, and passion for fast muscle cars.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; three children, Amanda (Chris) Rice, Jeffrey, and Arthur (Emily); two grandchildren, Niklaus and Kindrie; a sister, Crickett (Rich) Jokajtys; two nephews, Jack (Lori) Bernard and Joel Bernard; three nieces, Jennifer (Brian) Bernard, Elizabeth (Jody) Ritter, and Suzanne (Jared) Jokajtys; three brothers-in-law, Gary (Barbara) Oleynick, Bruce Oleynick, and John (Sheri) Oleynick; two sisters-in-law, Gail (Rick) Eastman and Donna Oleynick; as well as many grandnieces, a grandnephew, friends, neighbors, and former students who will always carry his memory with them. Thomas is predeceased by his father, Arthur M. Alger; mother, Allie Pettigrew; and sister, Sandra Bernard.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Mills Funeral Home, 301 Post Street, Boonville. Calling hours will precede the memorial service from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Boonville's Erwin Library and Institute, 104 Schuyler Street, Boonville, NY 13309, reflecting Thomas' love of reading and supporting his community.

Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.millsfuneralhomes.com.