Thomas J. Fenzel

Thomas J. Fenzel, 83, St. Lawrence Park Road, passed away Wednesday, January 28th, at St. Camillus, in Syracuse, NY, surrounded by love.

He was born February 20, 1942, in Buffalo, NY, son of Robert and Catherine Crooks Fenzel. Tom proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1959-1963. He received his associate’s degree from Jefferson Community College, where he later taught criminal justice courses.

He married Barbara Ann Smalley on January 18, 1964. Mrs. Fenzel passed away on February 21, 2016. They were together for over 50 years raising their family and sharing many adventures.

Tom worked in law enforcement for over 40 years. He was a Trooper and a BCI Investigator for the NY State Police and after his retirement from the NYSP was employed as an investigator for the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. He also worked at the Riveredge Resort in security and owned TJ Charters. He was a licensed captain and fishing guide.

He is survived by four daughters, Deborah (Joseph) LaClair, Watertown, Amy Wiley (Theodore Strang), Pennellville, NY, Tracy (Wayne) Denny, Martville, NY and Cheryl (Timothy) Parker, Boonville, NC, a sister, Katherine Leandri, 6 grandchildren, Bryce (Taylor) Wiley, Ethan (Nancy) Wiley, Sydney Parker, Emily Parker, Carson Denny, Adam (Kristin) LaClair, 3 great grandchildren, Emerson Wiley, Madalyn Houghton, Bentley LaClair, and his companion, Patricia Anthony, Redwood, NY. He was predeceased by a sister, Ann Thompson and a sister-in-law, Suzanne (Smalley) Gerhardt.

Family and friends were the center of everything Tom did. He met many of his life-long friends after being stationed in Alexandria Bay. It is there he developed his love of the St. Lawrence River and fishing. He spent many hours perfecting his craft and sharing his passion with his children and grandchildren. He also had a fondness for travel and casinos. He was a natural storyteller; and tell stories he did! His stories- sometimes repeated, always loved- will live on through those who listened. Tom was a kind man and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. Above all, he will be remembered for his love and his smile and laughter. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever flow on, like the river he loved so much.

Calling hours will be held Saturday, February 14th, from 10-12 noon, at the Costello Funeral Home. A memorial service, with military honors, will begin at 12pm with Rev. Jeff McIlrath officiating.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made in Tom’s name at Signal30.org (NYS Troopers Benefit Fund) or the Alexandria Bay Fire Dept., 110 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

A burial will be held at a later date at Acacia Park Cemetery in North Tonawanda, NY.