My uncle Tommy passed away last Saturday. I have been extremely fortunate to have relatives in my life who were giants in all aspects, and left lasting impacts. Aside from my dad, Uncle Tommy was one. I will miss him terribly, but am thankful he was always in my life. Following is a write up from our local fire company that he served for 65 years:

It's with heartfelt sorrow that the Penfield Fire Company announces the passing of Past Chief and Past Commissioner Thomas E. Jones JR., age 86. Past Chief Jones joined the Penfield Fire Company in September of 1957 and served until the day of his passing as an active member with over 65 years of service. Tom was the Chief of the Penfield Fire Company from April of 1971 to April of 1973. During his tenure as Chief, the fire district saw the opening of Station 2 on Qualtrough Road which is still in operation today.
When Tom's term as Chief ended, he stepped into the role of Fire District Commission which he served from 1973 to 2009 and was the Chairman of the Board from 1991-2005. Some of the major projects in the fire district that Tom oversaw was the construction of two Station 3's (the first one on Harris Road and the current Station 3 at 2510 Penfield Road). Tom also oversaw the building expansion at our current Station 1 located at 1838 Penfield Road.
Those that had the privilege to know Tom, know that he was also the first one to help cook a meal at the fire station, offer a friendly word of encouragement at the end of a call or offer advice on how to improve for next time. Tom was always an active participant in all of our company activities to include meetings, committees, drills and calls. Most mornings, Tom could be found at Station 1 partaking in "Coffee Club" making sure that there was always a fresh pot of coffee brewing for all to gather and enjoy. Tom was the first one to extend a handshake, smile and introduction to new members that joined the fire company. He always wanted to make sure that if you were brand new or had been a member for 50 years, that you felt welcome at the fire station.
Tom will be dearly missed by everyone in our fire company, the East Rochester Fire Department Exempts, Past Chief's organization and most importantly his family. We want to thank Tom's family, his wife Sue, children and grandchildren for sharing Tom with us. Our community lost a great man yesterday morning but Tom's memory and legacy will live on. Please keep Past Chief Jones, his family and our fire company in your thoughts as we mourn the loss of Tom. Rest In Peace Chief and thank you for your dedicated service to our community!!

Condolences to you and your family, sir.

Sounds like a great guy and dedicated servant of your community…sorry for your loss, prayers sent to the fire company, family and friends.

I’m very sorry for your loss, I have two uncles in particular who are more brothers to me than uncles.

The thought of losing either of them makes me very sad.

Condolences on the loss of your uncle.

May his memory be a blessing

So very sorry for your loss. The community will feel his loss for a very long time as well; they don’t make guys like him anymore. May he rest in peace.

A life well lived and a community the better for it. My condolences.

My condolences to you and your family.

I lost both of my uncles, Navy vets who served just after Korea, right before and shortly after COVID hit, respectively. We attended a family reunion two weekends ago for the first time since then and their presence was missed.

Sorry for the loss of your uncle.

The right up from the Fire Department reminds me of a few of the old timers in my department.
Those kind of members are far and few these days. It was always nice to listen to their stories and advice they gave the younger members.
The wisdom they instilled to the membership was priceless.
Their sense of service to the community was incredible.
Their knowledge was incredible.

I am sure he will be sorely missed.

Condolences on your loss of your uncle.

So very sorry.