Obituary of Thomas E. McNamara

Thomas E. McNamara of Rochester, passed away on October 12, 2017 at the age of 87. Tom was born in Syracuse, New York. He attended high school in Syracuse and went into an apprenticeship program at General Electric. He proudly served in the Army with the 24th Constabulary Squadron in Bad Hersfeld, Germany during the Korean war. Tom married Josephine Dragano in 1950 and they raised 3 sons together, Rick, Carl, and Patrick. Tom was employed by General Electric for almost 20 years, working on many important projects, for NASA and other customers. During these years the family moved frequently, living at various locations in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and New York due to his job. They later settled in Henrietta, NY, when Tom was hired by Xerox. Josephine passed away in 1985. While attending a hospice support group, Tom met and later married Carolyn Cronkite. They continued to reside in Henrietta for many years. Tom and Carolyn shared many interests including travel, nature and quiet times together. Tom was a member of the Rochester Rifle Club where he served as a director for many years. He enjoyed attending meetings and gathering with the group afterwards for coffee and donuts. He especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge and skill with new members. Tom was also an avid reader. Predeceased by his parents, Ida Mae and John McNamara; first wife Josephine; one child, Constance; two daughters-in- law, Nancy (Bronnie) and Karen; two grandchildren, Emily and PJ; brother, Jack; and sister, Pat. Survived by his second wife, Carolyn McNamara; three sons, Rick, Carl, and Patrick; a daughter-in-law, Becky; three grandchildren, Kate, Owen and Jaron; 3 step-children, Steve, Sue and Sandee; and their spouses, Paul and Dan; 4 step-grandchildren, Amy, Meagan, Ben and Aaron. A Memorial service will be held at 2 pm on SUNDAY October 29, 2017 at Miller Funeral And Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 S. Winton Road. A reception will follow immediately after from 3-5 pm at St. John's Meadows in the common room at Chestnut Court. St. John's Meadows is located at 1 Johnsarbor Drive West, Rochester, NY, 14620, just off of Elmwood Avenue in Brighton. The burial will be a private ceremony at a later date. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Assocation (www.alz.org).