UPDATED GRAVESIDE NOTICE: A graveside ceremony will take place Friday, May 10, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. at Moriah Union Cemetery.

QUEENSBURY --- Thomas L. Whitman, 81, of Pine Cone Dr., passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, with loved ones by his side.

Born October 27, 1942, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late Arthur L. and Frances C. (Chick) Whitman.

Following graduation from Mineville High School, Thomas joined the United States Navy serving from 1962 to 1963. He then went on to become a teamster (Union Member) for Coca-Cola for 28 years where he prided himself on working hard to provide for his beloved family before retiring. While working at Coca-Cola Tom was given the nickname "Oscar" by coworkers that would become lifelong friends. Friends such as Roger "Windy" Tilley.

Tom was an exceptional Father. Both Chris and TJ have fond memories of summer family trips to Maine listening to Tom's favorite Country music on the drive. Tom instilled in his sons his work ethic and love for family.

Tom had an unmatched talent for telling memorable stories. He enjoyed telling tales of him and his siblings growing up in Mineville and his many youthful adventures with his Plymouth Road Runners. Tom had a witty saying for most any situation.

He loved traveling to numerous places with Lorriane "Teddy Bear" over their many years together. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards with family and friends, watching his grandchildren play sports, and going out to eat where he always would say, "I'll buy."

In addition to being a member of the union, Thomas was also a lifetime member of the NRA.

Thomas was predeceased by his infant son, Scott Thomas Whitman; his father, Arthur; his mother, Frances and stepfather, Edward DeZalia; his aunt and uncle, Almedia and Paul Johnson (whom he was very close with); his stepdaughter, Christene Beaudin; his grandparents, Clyde and Effie Whitman and Edward and Carrie Chick; his brother, Timothy DeZalia; his stepbrother, Alton E. DeZalia; a niece and nephew, Lisa-Jo and James Murray; and a lifelong best friend, Roger "Windy" Tilley.

Those left to cherish his memory are his longtime companion, Lorraine Beaudin; two sons, Thomas J. Whitman of Argyle and Christopher S. and Meagan Whitman of Moriah; his stepchildren, Charlene (Beaudin) Darenberg, Cindy Beaudin, and Scott and Duane Henning; his grandchildren, Wyatt, Cole, Carter, and Sadie Whitman, Erika Guillen, and Harrison Darenberg; his siblings, Thelma (DeZalia) Pirnie of Queensbury, Dan Whitman of Bethel, Maine and his former wife, Mary Ezzo Whitman of Moriah, Jim and Alice DeZalia of Port Henry, and Ed and Karen DeZalia of Canastota; his cousin, Paul Johnson of York, Maine; and his nieces and nephews, Sandra (Whitman) Baker, Greg and Tracy Soroka, Daniel and Nicole Whitman, Tanja, Jesse, Travis, Sean, Nathan, Amy, Julie, Kaylee and Eddie DeZalia, Jamie McCoy, Erica Fisker, William Pirnie, Leslie, Laurie and James DeZalia and Linda Rogers.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.

A funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Ned Suffern, officiating.

A graveside ceremony will take place in the spring at Union Cemetery in Moriah.

Condolences and floral arrangements may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.