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Thomas Perreault Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Perreault
Susan Diamond
August 24, 2011
Dear Elisa, Jen, Ben, Jason, Jeffrey, Sue & Rob,
Words cannot begin to express how deeply sorry I am for this loss. One of the best experiences of my life has been having Tom as a brother-in-law. The words that come to mind when I think of him are: kind, gentle, humble, intelligent, devoted, funny, generous, sincere and honorable.
Some of my fondest memories are of the countless family vacations with Tom in the driver's seat of the van, engaging the children with humor, telling stories, answering questions, teaching and joining them in dialogue about anything from the NY State Senate to politics, religion, history, nature and insects of the local natural areas. His intelligence was profound, but mixed with a humility that never allowed it to be a barrier to others. Tom had a clear sense of right and wrong, which still allowed room for subtleties and shades of grey. He also had a quirky and goofy sense of humor, which snuck up on you quietly and delightfully. Most of all, he had a kindness and generosity of spirit that are so hard to find in this world. When I was single, I looked to the way he treated my sister as the gold standard I should wait for in a life partner. Later, when my husband and I learned we were pregnant, Tom congratulated us with a warmth and sincere generosity that I’ll never forget.
The loss of him as a husband, father, son and brother is profound, but I hope you’re able to hold the memories of who he was and how he lived his life as a source of comfort.
Love always,
Susan
Ramon Reyes
August 22, 2011
Elisa, obviously you know Tom was a very special person. We are all deeply saddened by his loss. When he and I were on the Brooklyn Journal of Int'l Law together, he was nothing short of the most important editor. Although I was the front man, Tom was the Journal's backbone; the grease that kept the machine running smoothly. The Journal has never known a better Managing Editor, and likely never will. The entire BLS community will mourn his loss.
August 9, 2011
My deepest sympathies to your entire family.
Maureen Fink
Glenn Meteer
August 4, 2011
I was very sad to hear today of Tom's passing. He and I worked together more than once on some really vexing cases and he always provided clarity and way forward when I thought all was lost. He was also a friend in the Main Office for a regional guy needing guidance and advice.
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August 3, 2011
To the Perreault Family:
My deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. Tom started at NYSDOT Legal Affairs one week after I started. Tom was the consummate professional, a terrific co-worker, and a good friend not only to me but all of his coworkers and will be sorely missed.
Sincerely,
Dwight Cunningham
August 3, 2011
Elisa, my deepest sympathy to you and your family at this sad and difficult time. You are in my prayers. Laurie Runnerstrom
Coleen and Steven Kern
August 3, 2011
Elisa, Our condolences go out to you and your family. You will be in our prayers.
August 3, 2011
Elisa, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Rocco and Roberta Loccisano
The Barkers
August 2, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
eric bieber
August 2, 2011
I had the good fortune to know Tom on a professional level. He was a very good attorney and his opinions always carried great weight. On a personal level, he was a thoughtful and caring individual.My prayers go out to you. He will be missed by many, many people.
Susan Lavezza
August 2, 2011
Elisa, Jenny, Ben, Jeffrey and Jason,
Please accept Andrea and my heartfelt condolences in this very difficult time. We know the pain you are experiencing and wish we could be there with you. God bless you all. Love, Andrea Mocko and Susan Lavezza
Frank Miller
August 2, 2011
Tom was a careing and gentle guy.i had the pleasure of going to school with him and graduated with with him.He will be missed and thought of always.
Andrew Chatterton
August 2, 2011
My deepest sympathies in this time of loss. Tom was my Mentor at the DOT and his leadership will be missed dearly. I am so speechless upon receiving this tragic news.
Jo Anne Di Stefano
August 2, 2011
To Tom's Family: Tom Perreault was truly a hero to me personally, and to many of the people who had the good fortune and pleasure to work with him over his not long enough dedicated career. He was widely regarded as a man with untold integrity and unwavering compassion. Although words cannot begin to touch your grief and sorrow, I would like to share a few thoughts about Tom's legacy.
I had the distinct honor to work with Tom for the past five years and I will always remember him for his passion. That passion extended from his obvious deep love for his children and family, to his love of the law and serving the people of New York State, to his love of the Pirates and Bill. He brought a vitality and enthusiasm to every human encounter and every issue.
I will also always remember him for his brilliant legal mind and as the heart and soul of our little legal office He made it his business to challenge you as a lawyer and as a human being. In spite of being one of the most able lawyers, he never missed an opportunity to congratulate others on their brilliant idea, never missing a moment to pat you on the back. He was a quiet leader who led by example, striving for excellence in all he did. He inspired other people to be their best and his loss to those who worked with him is incalculable.
However, most of all I will remember him for his compassion. His humanity was palpable and impacted all that he did. It was that extra element that made him the best lawyer, colleague and mentor. He had your back. He was imminently approachable and always made time for you, even when he had none to give. Tom helped me through many difficult personal family issues, always finding a way to help me blend the challenges of family and work, and for that kindness I will be forever grateful.
Tom changed my life for the better, for good, and will always have a special place in my heart. I hope that you find peace and comfort in the shelter of his undying love. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Winsor
August 1, 2011
I graduated from Salamanca High with Tom. We ran track together. He was a friend and a person everyone liked. Sad day. My prayers go to his family.
Kirsten (Lockwood) McElvene
August 1, 2011
Tom will be missed by many. He was a pleasure to know through our school years together! With heartfelt sympathy and prayers to your family.
Gary and Elaine McVoy
August 1, 2011
With deepest sympathy, we share the grief of this shocking loss. Our hearts go out to Tom's family, and to his colleagues in the face of this heartbreak.
August 1, 2011
Deepest heartfelt sympathy . My thoughts and prayers are with all family of Tom. He was a great man. (Mike Younsi-DOT)
Nan Painter
August 1, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Phyllis_and_Steve Blow
August 1, 2011
I had the great privilege of working with Tom in the past here at NYSDOT. He indeed was a "calming force in the storm" providing insight and clarity, and made it palatable to the little guy. My husband, also a lawyer, has been working with him over the last several months and always found him to be both competent and eminently personably. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family, friends and associates.
Steve Shephard
August 1, 2011
Dear Perreault Family,
I was saddened and shocked a few minutes ago when I turned on my computer and was informed of Tom's death by e-mail. I only ran into Tom on the sports field whether as a coach or a spectator. I always respected his dedication as a father and coach and I will forever remember him in his gray sleeveless Bills shirt. My family and I are very sorry for your loss.
August 1, 2011
With our deepest, heartfelt sympathies. Tom was a great man and father. With thoughts and prayers for strength.
Joe, Katia, and Gavin Colavito
Jenifer Ambler
August 1, 2011
Elise, Jenn, Ben, Jeffrey & Jason,
I didn't know any of you for long, but it was such a pleasure meeting you all and traveling with you in El Salvador. Sincere condolences on behalf of all of Team Sight & Bite...our prayers are with you!
Brian Deyo
August 1, 2011
Dr. Perreault;
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this most difficult time. (Brian Deyo - Albany)
Farhan Haddad [NYSDOT]
August 1, 2011
Deeply saddened by the news! Our heartfelt sympathies…may the Lord God comfort your hearts during this difficult time.
Michael Shamma
August 1, 2011
Tom Tom's loving family, I have worked with Tom for eleven years. He was always a gentleman and I enjoyed working with him very much. He always found solutions to complex problems and was an excellent attorney. Tom made everyone he worked with feel at ease with his calm demeanor and steady approach. Tom was more than a colleague to me – he was a true friend. I enjoyed talking to him about family, work, travel, and his coin collection. I will always be grateful for knowing Tom and will never forget him as long as I shall live. My thoughts and prayers are with you; may heaven comfort you in your time of grief.
Jennifer Nelson
August 1, 2011
To Tom's Family, I worked with him for many years at DOT and he was always one of the most sincere, charming, dedicated individuals I ever had the pleasure to spend time with. He brightened every day with his humor, his wisdom, and his passion for the law. He was a principled man, who cared deeply not only for his family but for the people of this state. I am a better person for having known and worked with Tom. May he rest in peace. God bless all of you.
Meaghan Nichols
August 1, 2011
Jen and Elisa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I had Jen in programs and summer camp at girls Inc.
Tom Benware
July 31, 2011
To Tom's loving family...I hope you can someday find peace with his eternal life. I've known Tom for seventeen years. he was mentor, a role model, a trusted advisor. I came to dot to learn more about transportation and environmental law. Tom was always there to help me along. He was often the smartest man in the room, but never had to be. Although he often brought more to the conversation, he always expressed an understading of and an appreciation for what others brought. He is the most kind hearted and professional person I have ever met. He taught me diligence and patience. I will forever be greatful for the opportunity to sit with him and will always be reaching for the bar he set. God bless you and be well.
Zach Kerr
July 31, 2011
Jason, Jeff, Ben, and Jen, I have known your family for 7 years enough to know how much your dad loved you. He was a really nice guy who loved to do things with you like football and lacrosse. I will miss him. My thoughts are with you and your mom. I'm here if/when you need me.
Peter Loomis
July 31, 2011
Elisa- I can't match the eloquence of Dave Winans in describing how everyone at DOT felt about Tom. I can, however,assure you that his comments truly reflect what a presence Tom was for many years in the counsel's office. His was a voice to be listened to and his opinions were always respected. When I was Chief Counsel I relied on Tom's advice and counsel on a daily basis, and when Tom served as Comnissioner Madson's counsel, I know he played a key role in the agency's operations. He was a remarkable lawyer. On a personal level, I concur with Dave that Tom will be remembered as the very best of us. I send you, Tom's mother and brother, and your children, in whom Tom took such pride, my sincere condolences at this most difficult time.
July 31, 2011
I worked with Tom for years and he was such a wonderful person and a such a great professional. It was always my pleasure when he was on the case! My deepest sympathies in your loss. May you see him in eternity. Doug Currey, former Regional Director NYC.
michelle
July 31, 2011
I will never forget you Tommy.. I was looking at the pictures of you hold me when i was a baby the other day and all i could do is cry. you'll truly be missed by many!! -michelle
Michelle Hall
July 31, 2011
Elisa, Jenn, Ben, Jeffrey and Jason
My heart is aching for each of you. Please know that if you need anything you can just let me know...even if it's a hug. There are no words that I can say that will take away your pain. Although, I wish that were a little true. Please remember that I care. I am so sorry for your loss. My husband and kids also extend their condolences. My daughters especially wanted you to know how sorry they are as well. We are here. Love and God bless.
July 31, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss, Remember your friends are there for you.
A neighbor
Evelyn Fields
July 31, 2011
My family and I would like to give our deepest sympathy at this time,your family is in our prayers. (nikkie) maintenance NYSDOT
Rachel Darsinos
July 31, 2011
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad.
David Winans
July 31, 2011
Elisa- Your husband, Tom, was a gifted attorney and friend to the people with whom he worked. His colleagues share in the loss of your family. It was my privilege to work with Tom for 3 ½ years and I have never known a more friendly or down-to-earth manager. Even under the greatest of pressure, Tom remained steady and sure and he was usually cheerful and positive. Tom had a mind like a steel trap and could always be counted upon to remember the number of some little-used law. But more than all this, Tom was devoted to his family. Tom took joy in his work, but his pride in making New York a better place was always founded in his love for his family. He talked often about growing up in Allegheny County; about the family land there; about his family tradition of practicing law; and about his father who practiced law and who was also lost at such an early age. Tom took great pride in you and in his kids. He shared with us the best of your activities and accomplishments. In this time of grief, please know that there are many of us who share your grief. Everybody liked Tom, and we will always remember him as the best of us. You and your children should always remember the high regard in which Tom was held, and be proud of the fact that you shared him with so many others whose lives will always be richer for having known your husband, son or father. We are in your debt and thank you all.
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