Thomas Sidney Hynes

1939 - 2020

Thomas Sidney Hynes

Thomas Sidney Hynes, age 80, died peacefully at his home on March 20, 2020. He was surrounded by his loving wife, other family members and dedicated first responders at the time of his passing.

Tom was born on May 30, 1939 in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Mary Theresa Mullins and James R. Hynes. He graduated from Draper Central School in 1958. After completing a degree in mortuary science, Tom embarked on an almost 60-year career as a funeral director. Tom owned and operated Miller Funeral Home in Roxbury, N.Y., and Hynes Funeral Home in Margaretville, N.Y. Through this vocation, he was able to do what he cared most about: help other people. Tom was a gentle and heartwarming soul who provided support to thousands of families when they needed it most. His community involvement included years of service with the Roxbury Rotary Club, Roxbury Fire Department, driving bus for the Roxbury School District and coaching various youth teams in the area. Tom was also on the Board of Directors at the Kirkside Assisted Living Center, Margaretville Memorial Hospital and Catskill Watershed Corporation. Again, Tom was in his element helping other people and organizations achieve their goals.

In keeping with this spirit of service to others, Tom entered the political arena. He was a devoted supervisor in the Town of Roxbury for 36 years. Ultimately, he tried to solve problems by working with all interested parties. There are far too many projects that he was involved in to list here. However, the measure of his success, and what he would be most proud of, centers around the fine folks of Roxbury and Grand Gorge electing him their supervisor for almost 40 years. This vote of confidence kept him persevering year after year. Tom was also a dedicated member of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors. His peers respected Tom as a politician who would cross party lines to resolve an issue if the other side had a better solution.

Although his work schedule kept him busy, Tom always found time to watch his family members participate in sporting events, school plays or, for that matter any activity they were involved in. His genuine joy in seeing them succeed cannot be overstated. Tom was also an avid golfer and golf club aficionado. His playing partners would comment that he had a new set of driving woods each season. In addition, Tom enjoyed watching his favorite team the New York Yankees during the baseball season.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his childhood sweetheart and adoring wife of 59 years Mary Hynes; children Jerry and wife Robin Hynes, Tim and wife Teresa Hynes, Mike and Kelli Hynes, Chris and wife Tanjia Hynes; grandchildren Meghan and husband Ryan Cole, Tyler, Emma, MacKenzie, and Addy; great-grandchildren Jackson, Scarlett and Madeleine. Tom is also survived by his brother Frank Hynes and sisters Louise Liberty and Jean McPhail.

The family is planning a small private service at this time out of concern for the coronavirus pandemic. However, we look forward to celebrating Tom's life with extended family members and all his friends at a later date. The Hynes family would also encourage any donations to be made to the Roxbury ambulance squad. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Hynes Funeral Home in Margaretville, N.Y.