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University at Buffalo University of Connecticut University of Hartford

Thomas Vanderbeck Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, Inc. - Newfane on Mar. 23, 2024.

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Thomas Fredrick Vanderbeck, 82, entered into rest on March 1, 2024 in Hartford, CT. He was born in Lockport, NY on September 8, 1941, son of the late Fredrick and Ruth Wall Vanderbeck. Brother of Patrick (Deborah) Vanderbeck and the late James, John and Michael Vanderbeck. Also survived by his two beloved nieces, Nicole Alstott and Michelle (Alex) Sandoval and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Tom moved from Hadlyme, CT to the Saybrook in September of 2021. He was born and reared in the "upstate" town of Lockport, NY. Along the way, Tom lived in Olcott, NY, Storrs, CT, Boston, Hartford and Manhattan.
He earned BA and MA degrees in English at the University of Buffalo and Connecticut respectively. Obtaining an English Teaching Certificate at the University of Hartford, Tom taught in the New York City High School System and was a teaching fellow at the University of Connecticut. That said, he defined his career as a copywriter for several New York City advertising and public relations agencies.
Among Tom's interests were reading, traveling, concerts, and collecting, buying and selling art and antiques. His volunteer activity had been at the East Haddam Historical Society and St. Bridget's Church in Moodus.
Tom was most passionate about the arts, especially mid 20th century paintings and the 18th century Italian and French furnishing. He had an antique business in NYC, Hadlyme and Stanford for over 50 years.
A Mass will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11am in St. Brendan on the Lake Parish (Olcott site, St. Charles). 5972 Main St. Olcott, NY 14126. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery flowing the Mass.
"My hands have Written advertising copy for some of the world's largest and most innovative companies. They have touched antique tables and artwork as they assembled collections from around the world. My hands wrote on the chalkboard as they taught in New York City. They could be seen organizing items as they volunteered at the East Haddam Historical Society."
My Hands were cultured and refined.
Tom V
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