Thomas E. Truesdale, 80, of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2016 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 14, 1936, he was the son of the late William and Clementine (Jackson) Truesdale, and husband of Inez (Sansalone) Truesdale, whom he married in 1961 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Tom graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1955 and as a senior was the leading scorer on the undefeated Cataracts team in the Niagara Frontier Basketball League. During his high school years Tom transferred to Delevan Machias High School, where he was also a star basketball player and elected to the All League Basketball Team. His talents as a basketball player earned him a full scholarship to Niagara University, where he was stand out forward for the Purple Eagles and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1960. An injury in Philadelphia, PA in 1959 sent Tom to the hospital with a dislocated knee and torn ligaments ending his basketball career.

Tom taught special education in Lockport, as well as the Buffalo School districts and also coached the Lockport Senior High School Varsity Basketball team. In May of 1999, the 1954-55 Niagara Falls High School Basketball team was named to the N.F. District Athletic Hall of Fame.

In Tom's healthy day he enjoyed golfing and walking around Niagara Falls. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife of 55 years, he is survived by two daughters Tammy (Matthew) Wolosin of Lewiston, Terri (Mark) Palmer of Niagara Falls and was predeceased by one daughter Tina Truesdale. He is also survived by three grandsons Vernon Mt. Pleasant, Mark II and Michael Palmer; four great-granddaughters Shanea, Summer, Lilly and McKinley and was predeceased by one great-grandson Shoney. Tom is also survived by siblings Raymond G. (Arlene) Truesdale, Rosemary Truesdale and Timothy Truesdale; and was predeceased by four brothers William H. (Margaret) Truesdale, Richard N. (Alice) Truesdale, Douglas C. Truesdale and David J. Truesdale.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 19th at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Family Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls. Mr. Truesdale proudly donated his body to the University at Buffalo's Anatomical Gift Program for medical research. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY.