Thomas James Clare

Cremation will be held privately

Thomas James Clare passed away in the presence of his family at the Golden Hill Nursing Facility on July 19, 2025 after losing a long battle with dementia.

Born in Greenpoint, Brooklyn he was the son of Stashia Yakubek and Thomas Clare. He attended St. Aloysius Elementary School and Brooklyn Automotive. Even before he attended the vocational school Tom showed a love for automotive and was taught the trade by his mentor Tom Roman. His years of being in the shop learning the professional standards, listening to customers, repairing and rebuilding engines set his standards for years to come.

That changed when Vietnam Crisis began and he was called to proudly serve his country in the United States Army. Last minute orders changed his flight to the DMZ at Korea where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the motor pool in the 1st Calvary until his honorable discharge in 1967.

Months are returning to his previous job he applied to work at LaGuardia Airport for American Airlines as a ground maintenance equipment mechanic for all the vehicles that ran the airport and he also eventually becoming a union representative.

It was at that time that he found a girl he would marry by telling her so within the first hour of meeting her. Fifty seven years later Tom and Barbara had made their goals come true, a house, a business and a family and eventually settled in the beautiful Catskill Mountains in Boiceville, New York. There he enjoyed hunting and fishing by switching from background of salt water fishing to learning how to fresh water fish and there was no stopping him. Changing from the ocean to the creeks, lakes to the beautiful Ashokan Reservoir to pursue those bass.

His automotive business was his life. Not only repairing his customers cares but explaining and teaching them proper maintenance and preventive measures he had courses for women (Powder Puff Classes) on Saturday mornings so women would know hoe to change a tire, oil and diagnosis the problems and have the knowledge of general functions.

He served as the Recreation Director, Coach for T Ball for the Town of Olive and voted by the Distributive Education Club as Business Person of the Year. He was a member of Boiceville Business Association and C.A.R.E. for O.C.S. where with many other only wanted to see positive changes for the community and support for the students.

As his family grew, his children became so much a part of his world, through business, love of sports, holiday gatherings with friends and family. "Family First" was his statement and that did not limit family by name.... all were welcomed at holiday tables for fun and laughter.

Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara (Svetz), his children Thomas (Kelsey), Ryan (Mia) and Nik (Kirsten). His grandchildren Logann Rae, Oliver Thomas, Cash Williams, Rian Kirker, Luna Sophie and Joseph Thomas along with their beautiful Moms, Kelsey Kirker Clare, Amy Daley and Mia Wood. His sister Carol, brother George (Tricia and son James) all from Jamestown, NY. Three beautiful nieces that brought him joy before he became a parent were so special to him, Kelly Cardinale (Curt and daughter Emily), Jennifer Cordosi (Robert) and Bridget Grazulewicz (Jason and daughters Brijae and Jayonna. His special love for his cousin, Catherine Maher ahd her family, Katie (Anthony), Brian (Christina) and his godson Stephen along with many other cousins.

On his journey Tom will pass the rainbow bridge and have all his fur buddies greet him as his love for each and every pup and pet he brought to our home.

It was a great run for Tom until Dementia snuck in and stole pieces of him from all those that loved him. May God hold him in his arms and give him the love that he gave so many.

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Golden Hill; particularly to Erin, Donna, and Helen in the offices and the entire C2 unit for taking care of him. From the desk crew to all the aides and custodial folks etc.. It takes people with great hearts to give the support from beginning to end. You are a very special team and we are grateful for all the dedication, conversations and patience you gave us through this difficult time