Thomas J. Baldock

ILION -Thomas James Baldock, age 79, of Ilion, New York, passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2025.
He was born August 25th, 1945, and raised in Ilion to Edward and Anna (Collins) Baldock. Tom spent his whole life in the town he loved - graduating from Ilion High School in 1963 and later raising his family in the beautiful Ilion Gorge, a place he called home and where many happy memories were made.
Tom was the devoted husband of more than 53 years to his wife, Doreen (LaPorte), and a proud father to Sabrina Burton and Ryan Baldock. He shared a strong bond with his son-in-law, Joma Burton, and was a much-loved grandfather to Amaya & Jerin Burton and Bryce & Beau Baldock.
Tom was known for his adventurous spirit - a licensed hot air balloon pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, guitarist, canoeist and occasional unplanned swimmer; he loved life and the fun it brought. He was a creative problem solver who could fix just about anything with whatever he had on hand. His home was a place of invention, laughter, and often, a little bit of duct tape magic.
More than anything, Tom was a man who showed up. He helped neighbors, friends, and even strangers without hesitation. If you needed a hand, Tom was there rolling up his sleeves.
He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, and curiosity, and a family that will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held on Thursday, July 17th, 2025, at The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home located at 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York. We invite relatives and friends to a calling hour at the funeral home that morning from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM and his funeral service will begin at 10:30 AM. Then we will process to Calvary Cemetery in Herkimer, New York, where interment will take place.
In Tom's memory, the family encourages everyone to try something new, take a leisurely drive, or drop off some peanut butter and Pepsi to a local food pantry - simple things that capture his spirit and the little joys he loved.
Tom's obituary will appear on the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.
Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.