Thomas Cramer

Thomas Michael Cramer passed away peacefully at home on June 23 at the age of 70, with his wife, Judi, and daughter, Alexis, by his side.
He was born on September 26, 1954, in Suffern, New York, as the youngest of five children to Effie and John Cramer. His arrival was a surprise when his mother went to the hospital for painful heartburn. Tom was adored by his three older sisters, Geraldine, Barbara, and Joyce, as well as his older brother Jack, 17 years his senior.
He attended South Madison Elementary School and Kakiat Middle School, eventually graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1972. He continued his education at Rockland Community College and SUNY Morrisville, where he earned an Associate's degree in Automotive Technology.
In 1978, while working at Sears Automotive, Tom met the love of his life, Judi, also known as Lovey. They married in 1982 and welcomed their only child, Alexis, in 1983. Four years later, they moved from Spring Valley to Nanuet, where they spent 36 joyful years. Both growing up in Rockland County, Tom and Judi had many lifelong friends, sharing countless memories.
Tom was a devoted father. He often made it a point to bring home a pink donut with sprinkles after working late when Alexis was in elementary school. When she was in high school, he made every effort to attend her volleyball games, often leaving work early to do so. These small gestures spoke volumes about his thoughtfulness and commitment to being a great dad.
He was a beloved uncle who formed special bonds with his many nieces and nephews. He shared in their joys and celebrated their life milestones, including those of their children and grandchildren. Uncle Tom's presence brought joy and laughter to family gatherings, vacations, Yankee games, and casual get-togethers.
Tom began his professional life at Jack Daniels Porsche / Audi in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, where he spent 15 years on the sales and management team. He then dedicated over 20 years to Volkswagen of America. In his last role in Cranberry, New Jersey, his coworkers envied his epic lunches.
Tom had a passion for sports, especially the Yankees, whose stats and players he could recite with ease. He spent many Sundays cheering for the Giants, often yelling at the TV. A lifelong fan of the Rangers, he also followed horse racing. He and Judi would host annual Kentucky Derby parties and travel to the track in Saratoga. Tom had a deep love for cars and frequently attended car shows and races with friends. He loved to cook and cherished moments spent camping in upstate New York. Additionally, he and Judi enjoyed going on cruises, making it a tradition they looked forward to each year.
In 2023, Tom, Judi, and Mama moved to New Bern, North Carolina, a dream he had long harbored. He was excited by his new neighbors, his brother-in-law, Ray, and his wife, Annette. One of Tom's favorite experiences before the move was serving as Ray's first mate on a 10-day boat trip. They traveled from just north of Baltimore, down the Chesapeake Bay to the Intracoastal Waterway in Norfolk, and continued to New Bern.
Tom was a devoted church member who had sung in the choir since childhood and served as a trustee for the United Church of Spring Valley. After moving, he joined the First Presbyterian Church in downtown New Bern. Passionate about music, he became a member of the Blue Chip Chorus with the Barbershop Harmony Society after retiring. His last performance was in Handel's "Messiah" in 2023 with the Craven Chorus. Now, he contributes his voice to the choir in heaven.
In March 2024, Tom was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma while visiting Alexis and her husband Joel in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Tom was always seeking ways to improve everything around him: his home, his family, and his church. He left behind a better world than the one he found. Known to many friends, family members, and coworkers as a rare and compassionate soul, he was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He leaves behind a life filled with cherished memories, and it is in these memories that he will continue to live on in the hearts of many. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral Home Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, from 4:00-8:00 PM, with a Service on Friday, July 11, at 11:00 AM at Joseph W. Sorce Funeral Home, 728 W. Nyack Rd, West Nyack, NY 10994, followed by burial at Tappan Reformed Church Cemetery. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.