Thomas T. Cwiakala

Thomas T. Cwiakala, 92, of Hermance Road, Galway, N.Y., passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025. Tom's first mission is to seek out the soul of his beloved wife, Margaret, and join her in eternity.
Born one mile south of Barkersville to Thomas and Leona Cwiakala, Tom grew up in the foothills of the Adirondacks and proudly considered himself a natural-born "hillbilly." Raised on the family farm on Hermance Road, he first attended the Parkis Mills School and later Galway High School after the consolidation of the local district. He graduated valedictorian of the Class of 1951.
As a senior, Tom earned his first dollar playing music with a small dance band, The Echoes. After graduation, he worked for Empire Super Markets as a produce clerk, then moved to Long Island, where he learned the trades of photostating and blueprinting while working at his brother-in-law's business in New York City.
A prime candidate for the draft, Tom chose to enlist in the Army, where a three-year commitment guaranteed him four years of college. With the Korean War still underway, he focused on completing his service safely. After sixteen weeks of basic training, he attended the Army General School at Fort Riley, Kansas, graduating as a military intelligence specialist before being assigned to Austria.
While serving in Austria, Tom's father passed away, leaving his mother alone to manage the dairy farm. He was granted a thirty-day emergency leave, and two months later was transferred to the inactive reserves so he could help maintain the family home.
Three years later, while working at Slim's Suburban Food Market, Tom met the love of his life, Margaret. They married and raised four children: Diane Marie, Jeanette Ann, Edward Thomas, and Thomas William.
Tom completed an ICS course and spent eight years in machining, manufacturing, and research before joining a textile company with plants in Gloversville, Johnstown, Canada, and North Carolina. Over thirty-four years, he advanced from staff engineer to production engineer to chief plant engineer. After retiring in 1996, he continued consulting for six and a half years.
Tom and Margaret celebrated 64 years of marriage and enjoyed many wonderful trips together, one of their favorite destinations being their trip to Hawaii.
A devoted member of St. Mary's Church in Galway, Tom was also active in the Galway Preservation Society and served as the town's Deputy Historian for 17 years. He wrote numerous articles for both the town newsletter and the GPS newsletter. Tom authored or contributed to several historical works, including By the Old Mill Stream (2000, with Shirley Knights MacMillin), Remembering Bills' Pond(2003), and Galway, 1900–1949.
Tom could fix just about anything, and his intelligence and talent were matched only by his curiosity and determination. He designed and built his family's home, doing all the drafting, plumbing, and electrical work himself, and handcrafting every cabinet - truly creating incredible things with his own two hands.
He had a remarkable memory and a sharp mind, recalling facts ranging from the elements on the periodic table to obscure units of measurement. He delighted in quizzing friends and family, sharing his knowledge with both humor and pride. Wisdom guided his life, as reflected in his high school senior quote: "Wisdom is better than rubies."
He was devoted to his family and his town, leaving a lasting mark through his work as a historian and community member. He cherished history, travel, and music, filling his home with stories, songs, and laughter. Tom could play a remarkable array of instruments - including the clarinet, piano, and accordion - and he loved to dance the jitterbug, bringing joy to those around him.
Above all, Tom had a warm heart and a sharp mind. He shared his talents generously, inspired those who knew him, and created a legacy of love, skill, and dedication that will be remembered by his family and his community for generations.
Preceded in death by his parents, his son Edward, daughter Jeanette, and wife Margaret, as well as his sisters Helen Rosecrans and Mary Filion. He is survived by his daughter Diane Church (Richard) and son Thomas W. Cwiakala; grandchildren Dana Church, Gregory Church (Brianna), Anna Williamson (David), Vincent Cwiakala (Hannah), and Nicholas Cwiakala; and great-grandchildren Aciah, Gregory, Zuriah, and Adrian Church, as well as Mason Williamson, with Andrew Williamson expected in May. Thomas also had many beloved nieces and nephews who visited him often, sharing countless happy and memorable times together.
There will be a celebration of life and memorial service in June. The date will be set after the holidays and additional information will go out then.