Thomas Donavon BRUSH Sr.

Thomas Donavon Brush Sr., age 83, of Scio, New York, passed away quietly on Thursday, February 20, 2025. He was born on August 9, 1941, the son of the late H. Alfred and Catherine (Donavon) Brush. Tom married his loving wife, Agnes Hennessy, on June 15, 1963, and together they shared 61 years of a blessed life. 

 

A humble man who valued hard work and kindness, Tom graduated from Scio Central High School (1959) and Lehigh University (1963), and he spent his life serving his community in quiet yet meaningful ways. Along with Agnes they owned and operated Mater Dei Home for Adults and Sundae School Restaurant, he made a positive impact in Scio while always staying out of the spotlight. Tom also worked at ACCORD Corporation in Belmont and spent 25 years as a tax preparer for H&R Block (Wellsville), where his calm demeanor and dependable service were greatly appreciated by all. A lifelong sports fan, Tom followed St. Bonaventure Men’s Basketball, the New York Yankees, and the Buffalo Bills, sharing his love of these teams with his family. His quiet strength, dedication to his family, and simple approach to life will be remembered by all who knew him. Tom was also a member of Saint Joseph’s Parish in Scio until it closed and then Holy Family Catholic Church in Belmont. Tom’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all who have shown kindness and support during this time.

 

He is survived by Agnes and their three children, Mary (Jeff) Senior, Tom (Liz) Brush, and Maggie (Matt) Malatesta; treasured grandchildren, Catherine, Mollie, Emily, and Kelly Senior, Chloe, Kelsey, and Keegan (Isabel) Brush, and Allison, Daniel, and Ann Malatesta; great-grandson, Thomas Senior; sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Brunell, Cathleen (Frank) Linnecke; and brother-in-law Tom (Mary) Hennessy; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by: two brothers, infant Richard and James (Judy) Brush; Hennessy brothers-in-law, Jim (Mary Ellen), Bill (Corinne), and Jack (Mary Lou); sister-in-law Betty (Jim) Searle; and brother-in-law Dick Brunell.

 

Friends may call on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 4-7 pm at the J.W. Embser Funeral Home of Wellsville, 34 West State Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joseph’s Cemetery Fund, 17 Maple Ave, Wellsville 14895 or a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com .