Thomas Warner

Warner, Thomas
ALBANY - Thomas Reynolds Warner passed peacefully on August 17, 2025. He was born in a modest tenement, in Albany's upper West Hill area, a place not known for producing too many legends, but every now and then there was an exception made. From birth, "Baby Tom" made an impression. His mother, aided by her four devoted sisters, marveled at the infant's unusual and uncanny finger-snapping and hip-wiggling whenever Elvis Presley came crackling through the radio.
Tommy's childhood was filled with love, laughter, and just enough mischief to keep things interesting. Summers were spent in the back of a station wagon, heading to Babcock Lake with the family, while winters brought daring sled runs down the icy slopes of Swinburne Park. On countless evenings, young Tom could be found at Clinton News, where he developed a reputation for raiding the candy jars with the precision of a jewel thief, and provoking unsuspecting patrons just long enough to be chased out - only to return the next night as if nothing had happened.
Tommy graduated as scheduled from Albany High School in 1991. Although he was accepted into a few N.Y. colleges, he opted for the "family business" instead. This is where Tommy spent many years working alongside his uncle, Tom "Big Tom" Torello. There he excelled, proving once again that a sharp mind, quick wit, and a disarming smile could carry a man further than any degree. Oh, and he crafted the art of storytelling; boy, could he tell a story.
In his youth, Tom was no ladies man; he was known for two long-term romances, both with young women (as he would say) from good, respectable families. Though he would later say, with a laugh, that "neither could ever see past his devastating good looks or appreciate his true calling: botany." (Haha). Boy, Tommy had a distinct sense of humor. You never knew if he was joking, serious or mad.
Tommy, known simply as "LT" to those closest to him, cultivated more than just plants; he cultivated strong character, charm, kindness and empathy for others. His humor was as dry as a martini and his conscience light as a feather. He carried himself with an effortless mix of an old school gentlemen with grace and mischief, the sort of man who could charm a room, borrow your pen, and somehow convince you it had always been his. When the family business closed after 70 years, following the passing of its patriarch, the esteemed "Big Tom" Torello, LT found himself at a crossroads. He considered using his savings to ride the rails across America until the money ran out. Instead, fate had other plans. He met the woman who would later become his wife, and rather than simply riding trains, he worked on them. For 18 years, he was employed by Canadian Pacific Railway, where the rhythm of the tracks seemed to suit him.
Tommy was a man of immense kindness; he was unshakable, a man of his word who never carried anger toward anyone or anything (but he never forgot). Tom's passions included thoroughbred racing - "the Sport of Kings." For a brief time, Tommy was co-owner of a N.Y.-bred named Chief of State, a scrappy competitor, who retired after a respectable string of victories. Tom also enjoyed deep sea fishing, downhill skiing, and, of course, golfing with the guys. If we were to list all of Tommy's accomplishments, hobbies, and small acts of kindness and generosity, the newspaper would run out of ink. It is enough to say that Thomas Reynolds Warner lived a life of good quality and genuine charm. He passed away peacefully, on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and now belongs with the distinguished class of 2025. Tom was an individual who leaves behind not just memories, but stories worth telling again and again.
Thomas R. Warner was the son of Teresa (Torello) and Joseph Severance. He is survived by his wife, Michelle (Corwin) Warner, and their children, Thomas E. and Samantha L. Warner. In addition to his mother, Thomas is survived by his beloved son, James; his brother, Lawrence W. Warner (Kylie); Lawrence's children, Robert, Joseph, John, Nicholas, and Lauren; and his stepsiblings, Julie Severance (Steve) and Matthew Severance. He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Pamela and James Wood - Pamela was like a second mother to him - and their children, James M. Wood "Lucas" (Missy), Christine Sterling (Brian), Rochelle Guiry (Matthew) and Kiersten Carcia (James); aunts, Patricia Stack (Richard), June McCauslin (Robert), and Judith Torello; and many other aunts, uncles, and family friends; and stepsiblings, Matthew Severance and Julie Severance. He was predeceased by his uncle, Thomas M. "Big Tom" Torello; stepbrother, Joseph R. Severance Jr.; and cousins, Courtney Bernard (Jay), Mark McCauslin (Joseph), Marisa Moffatt (Tyler), Pauly Yakel (Emily), Britney Stack (Sean), Liz Stack and Cheri Stack.
He is also survived by several, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 4–7 p.m., at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, N.Y. 12205. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 23, at 9:00 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church, 607 Central Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12206. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved and always our "Baby Tom."
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