QUEENSBURY -- Thomas Duane Purner Sr., 83, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Glens Falls Hospital.

Born July 14, 1932, he was the son of the late Walter B. and Genevieve (Hart) Purner.

Tom was a graduate of Glens Falls High School, class of 1952.
Very proud of his time served in the U.S. Naval Reserves, Seabees, Tom was honorably discharged in July of 1959.

On September 1, 1956 at St. Mary's Church in Glens Falls, Tom married his sweetheart, Arline M. Farr. Together they shared 59 wonderful years.

Tom made a career as a Lineman for NY Telephone Co. of Glens Falls for 42 years until he retired.

In his youth, Tom enjoyed swimming and was a lifeguard at Haviland's Cove. Throughout his life he continued his love of the water and traveled with his family many times to Florida. He also enjoyed collecting coins and model antique cars.

Above all, Tom's family was most important him. They will miss him deeply.

Along with his parents, Thomas was predeceased by two brothers, Walter and Richard Purner.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Arline Purner; his five children, Thomas Purner Jr., Douglas (fiancé, Carole Moses) Purner Sr., Pamela (John) Olden, Nancy (Rusty) Saunders, and Anne-Marie Denard; his nine grandchildren, Douglas Jr., Amy, Sean, Benjamin, and Dylan Purner, Nicholas and Christopher Olden, Abigail Saunders, and Lauren Denard; two precious great-granddaughters, Alyse and Alivia Purner; his three sisters, Elizabeth Pagano, Mary (Ronald) Kexel, Patricia (Janice Niemer) Purner; his five brothers, Robert, William (Jean), Paul (Diane), Raymond (Priscilla), Francis (Anne Marie) Purner; along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to: West Glens Falls Emergency Squad and the Glens Falls Hospital Cardiac Care Unit.

Calling hours will take place from 11 to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26 at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY.

A funeral Mass will take place at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's/St. Paul's Church, 11 Wall St., Hudson Falls, NY with Father Thomas Babiuch and Deacon William Bazinet officiating.

A gathering to celebrate his life will take place at McManus Hall, located next to the church, following Mass.

Donations in memory of Thomas can be sent to: West Glens Falls Emergency Squad or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent directly to the funeral home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.