Thomas R. Streb

On Friday, January 2, 2026, Thomas Richard Streb (Tom), 79, from Ithaca, NY went peacefully to be with the Lord while surrounded by his family and loved ones. Tom was born September 21, 1946 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, NY to Cletus and Rita Streb. Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janice; his two sons, Brian and Sean (Nicole); his brother James (Debbie); his nephews David, Joey and Brandon; and many cousins. He was predeceased by both his parents and his youngest brother Richard.

Tom graduated from St. Bernard’s Seminary in 1972 and was ordained a Priest on May 25, 1973. On June 23, 1973 he became the Associate Pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Elmira Heights, NY. In June 1977 he left St. Charles Borromeo Parish and became the Catholic Chaplain at Ithaca College.

In 1983 Tom decided to leave the priesthood and start his life on a different path. He worked for about a year as a Residential Supervisor at George Junior Republic in Dryden and bartended at What’s Your Beef Restaurant. In 1985 he got a seasonal position at TC3. In 1986 when a full-time position at TC3 in the Admissions Office opened, he applied and got the job. Tom worked as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Tompkins Cortland Community College for the next 29 years, retiring in May 2015.

In the spring of 1986 Tom met Janice. They were married on June 18th, 1988. Two years later they had their first son, Brian, and four years after that they had their second son, Sean.

Tom was an avid sports enthusiast, both participating in and watching sports. Before coming to Ithaca, he played competitive softball in Rochester and Elmira. When he came to Ithaca, he joined the Ithaca Amateur Softball League and played on a very competitive team. After leaving Ithaca College he continued to support and attend the Ithaca College football games. He and Janice were sports boosters, attending all the home games and riding to the away games on the booster bus. If there was a game on the television, he was watching it. He watched them all—NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, PGA, etc. When the boys were young, he taught them how to catch a ball and play baseball. He coached their little league teams. As they got older and their sports were played through school, he and Janice were at every game possible.

A mass of remembrance for Tom will be celebrated at All Saints Church, Ridge Road, Lansing, NY on February 7, 2026 at 10 AM. There will be a get-together in the Parrish Hall directly after the mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.