1954 - 2024

How I wish the time hadn't gone so fast.  I'm sorry to leave, but I just had to depart at this time. I learned too late in life that my strengths were a result of my weaknesses and that any success I might have enjoyed were due to my failures. I think that death can be categorized as a strength, a weakness, a success and a failure. I believe I'm now in that position to seek those answers.

As you have surmised, Tom left this world for parts unknown a few days ago, probably resulting from side effects of COPD which he suffered for years and years, and from a slew of other ailments known to man. He gallantly fought the numerous diseases, refusing to give into them all while trying to lead an active life. In the end, they all got the best of him and they unmercifully beat him down. Born on a snowy and cold January day in 1954 to Thomas Lafornia, Jr and his wife Joyce in Niagara Falls NY. His paternal family hailed from Valguarnera Caropepe, Province of Enna in Sicily. At the ripe old age of three, he and the family moved to Lewiston where he would experience a most enjoyable youth. He attended Lewiston Porter High School, graduating in 1972. He was a proud member of the Lewiston Porter undefeated football teams of 1970 and 1971 as a tailback and wingback. He often joked that he regretted the fact that he couldn't watch himself perform. Tom attended Niagara University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1976. He admitted spending most of those four years playing pool, ping pong, euchre and drinking beer.

Tom was employed as a Legislative Assistant to NYS Assemblyman Joseph Pillittere and was the Niagara Falls Rep for NYS Senator Anthony Masiello. He became active in area democratic politics as a teenager and was a long time Niagara County committeeman, being honored with the Chairman's award in 1994. Tom was also a former Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Niagara Falls City Democratic Committee. Then one day he came to his senses, realizing the democratic party didn't represent squat any longer and switched party affiliations. Tom later was employed by the county of Niagara as an Investigator. He also held the office of union president for eight years for Niagara County CSEA Unit 7650, Local 832. He retired from Niagara County in 2015, and then really got busy with life.

Tom held the office of secretary for the Niagara County Judges and Police Executives Conference for over 22 years. He was a member of the Soprano's Supper Club with his very close friends, John, Jimmy, Tony and Carmen. He is also a member of the Train Collectors Association and the NRA. Always a sports enthusiast, he enjoyed cheering for his beloved NY Yankees and any team that played the Buffalo Bills. He was also an avid cruciverbalist. He enjoyed his model trains, yard work, home unfinished projects, Doritos, spam and drinking. He loved to cook and create new dishes which explains his wide girth at times. He was also owner/operator of Top Gun Support Services and Eagle Research.

He enjoyed listening to the 60's oldies, soothing music by Dino, Frank, Perry and others, and Big Band era music. Tom was also a self-professed bibliomaniac who enjoyed reading from his vast personal library which totaled over 1000 books, including over 120 volumes that he never got around to reading. He was a financial contributor to St Jude's Children's Hospital and to the Dachshund Rescue Group and various other charities including his favorite charity, his wife! Tom displayed a wicked sense of humor along with a quick wit, always enjoying the fact he could make people laugh. He could find humor in almost any given situation. We're all pretty sure he could offer up a few chuckles at his own passing.

Despite Tom's overzealousness for preparing elaborate home cooked meals, the couple enjoyed dining out as often as possible, especially Fortuna's Italian Restaurant, the best in the world. As of this writing, Tom and Stephanie feasted at nearly 300 different establishments over the years. Try to top that figure.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Stephanie, of whom he always regretted meeting way too late in life. Also survived by two very special sons of whom he inherited, Frankie (Kristi) and Michael (Tom), his sister Cathlene, the 1969 Lewiston Peach Queen, and her hubby John Leardini, Godson and nephew Jeffrey and niece Cara, and extremely awesome twin incredible loving grandsons, Frankie and Johnnie. A pair of other sons, Geoffrey and Douglas get honorable mention.  Throw in a few cousins and the clan is complete. He also leaves behind a slew of friends from high school, college, politics, state and county employment and the Judges and Police. He loved you all, well, at least most of you. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his best canine friends, Brutus, Rebel, Caesar and Pudge. Hermie, Greta and Woody survive to drive someone else crazy.  He has said that if there aren't any dogs in heaven, he doesn't want to go, still clinging to that hope he'll make it.

As you have surmised, Tom opted for the clean and neat "torching" instead of the standard burial. With the cooperation of the grieving widow, please feel free to help yourself to a few of the ashes for cherished memories.

Well, anyway, he's gone. Thanks for reading. He encourages you all to get together and exchange Tom stories, good, bad, funny or indifferent. If you'd rather they didn't relay stories about you at your funeral, it would probably be a grand idea that you keep from dying. Here's to seeing you on the other side, whatever that may hold. No hurries.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20 from 3 – 5:30 PM at M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14304, where funeral services will begin at 5:30 PM.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.