Thomas A. Donnison, 81, of South St., Sherburne, NY, passed away at his home on Sunday, December 20, 2020.
He was born in Patterson, NJ, on November 8, 1939, the son of the late Ira W. and Hermine M. Rocchi Donnison and received his education in local schools. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1962. On June 24, 1961, Thomas married Diane Tribel at St. Anthony’s Church in Hawthorne, NJ. She predeceased him on December 2, 2005. When residing in NJ, he owned and operated a dry-cleaning business. Upon moving to New York in 1972 he was a dairy farmer and then became a school bus driver and later a bus monitor for the Sherburne-Earlville School District for 23 years until retiring in March 2020. Tom enjoyed music, playing his guitar and playing cards. His favorite pastime was fishing, a sport he truly loved.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #876 in Sherburne.
Surviving are his children, Thomas and Amy Donnison of Sherburne; Nicholas Donnison of NC; Denise and Keith Rifenburg of Earlville; Janine and Scott Palmer of MI; grandchildren, Broc Donnison of Norwich; Brad Donnison and Felicia Selan, both of NC; and Alex Rifenburg; his great-granddaughter and the light of his life, Honora Donnison. He is also survived by his longtime best friend Alfie (& Rose) Weiss of Seaside Heights, NJ.
It was Tom’s wish that there be no services or calling hours. It was also his wish that everyone “Watch out for the icy patches!”
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court St., Norwich, NY 13815, or to the Sherburne Fire Department, PO Box 575, Sherburne, NY 13460.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories online go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com