Thomas L. DeGironimo

Thomas Louis DeGironimo, 85, of Clayville, NY, formerly of Whitesboro, NY, and a longtime winter resident of Leesburg, FL, was received into the arms of the Father on May 16, 2026, leaving behind a family and a community of friends who were all a little better for having known him.

Affectionately called "Tommy D" by his wide circle of friends, and known lovingly as "Tommy," "Dad," and "Papa" to his family, he will be remembered above all for his deep and abiding love for those closest to him and for his rare gift of making everyone he met feel like the most important person in the room.

Born on May 31, 1940, in Utica, NY, Tommy was an only child, but you'd never have known it from the lively crowd of aunts, uncles, and cousins who filled his early years. Those extended family bonds, especially with a handful of cherished cousins, shaped him into the family man he became.

Tommy attended Mary Street School, graduated from Proctor High School in 1958, and went on to earn his degree from Utica College in 1963. The friendships he formed during those years weren't the passing kind; he carried them with him for the rest of his life. He was a proud veteran, having served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves.

On June 30, 1965, Tommy married the love of his life, Virginia Gorsak, at St. Anthony's Church in Inlet, NY. Fourth Lake held a special place in their hearts: it was where they had first met while both working at Foley's North Woods Inn, and it remained a touchstone for them throughout their 60 years together.

He began his career as a biology teacher, first at Waterville and then at Notre Dame High School, where he discovered just how much he enjoyed mentoring young people. A few years in, though, a growing fascination with finance pulled him in a new direction, and he built a long and successful career as a financial planner, retiring just five years ago after decades of helping others plan for the futures they hoped to have.

Tommy was an athlete his whole life. In his younger years, he ran track and played softball and racquetball with the kind of competitive spirit that made him fun to watch and even more fun to play alongside. Golf became his lasting love, and he was a proud, long-time member of Cedar Lake Club. Off the course, he was just as graceful -- a dance partner who could quietly outshine anyone brave enough to try to keep up with him. He was, in every room he entered, the life of the party: full of smiles, quick with laughter, and gifted at making every person feel seen, heard, and valued.

A devoted Steelers and Syracuse Orange fan through every season, win or lose, Tommy loved nothing more than watching games with his wife, son, and grandchildren gathered around him. He was the grandfather who always had time -- time for tractor rides, boat rides, golf cart rides, patient golf lessons, and long afternoons sharing his beloved old movies with the next generation.

Tommy was predeceased by his parents, Thomas J. and Mollie DeGironimo, as well as several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins, including Jimmy Colacicco. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia "Ginny"; his son Michael (Elisabetta) DeGironimo; his daughter Lisa Creager; his cherished grandchildren Jeffrey (Sara) DeGironimo, Mia DeGironimo, Jackson Creager, and Alaina Creager; and his great-grandson Stefano DeGironimo. Also surviving are in-laws, Marlene Nardone, Chris O'Brien, and Hank Gorsak, along with several cousins. Among the dear friends with whom he shared so many happy times and now leaves behind are Monica Guernier, the Millers, the Wakeels, and the Caspers. He will be remembered fondly, too, by his childhood friends Jack Demma, Freddie Talerico, John Dellerba, Ben DeIorio, and Frank Gerace, friendships that spanned more than seven decades. He was predeceased by several close, lifelong friends, among them Bud Guernier, John Longeretta, and Ben Rizzo.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Craig Podozek, John Day, Al Wheeler, and Greg Bushinger for their steadfast support and assistance.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Scala, Roefaro & Karboski Funeral Home 1122 Culver Ave., Utica. In keeping with his Catholic faith, funeral services with his Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated on Friday, May 29, at 12 Noon in St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, Utica.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Tommy's memory to one of the following organizations, envelopes will be available at the funeral home:

• Apraxia-Kids.org
• Tunnel to Towers Foundation
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• 
  

Tommy will be deeply missed, and just as deeply remembered for his ready smile and love of life.