Thomas J. Hennessey

Thomas J. Hennessey, 95, of Camillus, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Born in Ontario, New York, Tom was the son of Thomas Hennessey and Mary Elizabeth Corcoran Hennessey. When he was just six months old, his father died suddenly from appendicitis, and the family relocated to Cortland, New York, where Tom spent his formative years.

Tom graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1947 and attended the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University before answering the call to serve his country during the Korean Conflict. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was honorably discharged in 1955.

Following his military service, Tom pursued his passion for engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona and a Master's Degree in Engineering from Arizona State University. In 1960, Tom joined the sonar department of the General Electric Company in Syracuse, where he enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career before retiring in 1992. He was also a proud member of the Elfun Society.

Faith, family, and service to others were central to Tom's life. A devoted communicant of St. Joseph's Church, he generously shared his time as an usher, Mass server, and member of the money counters group. Tom was deeply committed to youth development, serving as a 4-H leader for 20 years and contributing for several years as a member of the Hidden Valley 4-H Camp Committee in Watkins Glen, New York.

Tom will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his faith, and his lifelong commitment to serving his community.

Thomas was predeceased by his wife, Roberta; son-in-law, Christopher Nichols; parents, Thomas and Mary; and sister, Martha Steele.

Surviving are his children, Michael (Mary Jo) of Delton, MI, Dr. Mary Nichols of Tucson, AZ, Dr. Matthew (Lori) of Dallas, PA, Martha Hennessey of Baldwinsville, Mark (Michele) of Williamsport, IN, Maureen (Robert) Wight of Camillus, Marie (Justin) Lowman of Austin, TX, Michelle (Brett) Swofford of Seattle, WA, Margaret Sammons of Tucson, AZ, Martin of DeWitt, Myles of Charleston, WV, and Dr. Morgan (Alexia) of Cheyenne, WY; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Michaud of Eugene, OR.

To celebrate Tom’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 5600 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will follow in the church.

Tom will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Cortland.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity.