Thomas Wilczak November 9, 2024

Thomas A. Wilczak

27 October 1959 ~ 14 March 2023

Thomas was born in an autumn evening at 8:14 pm in Oneida, New York to his parents Edward S. Wilczak age 33 years and Elizabeth M. Paquette age 27 years. They lived in Rome, New York.

At the time of his passing Thomas was 63 years 4 months and 15 days.

The life that Thomas lived between the dash was an extraordinary one filled with adventures, hardships and love.

Thomas was a graduate of Rome Free Academy in 1977.

Thomas had a wide range of occupations in his lifetime. He worked many places across the United States from New York to Florida, Texas, Georgia, Tennessee to Oregan.  Out of high school he began working for Time Warner Cable when they came to Rome, New York. Thomas had over 10 years with the company when he left them to pursue other opportunities. His final occupation was with New Scale Robotics in Victor, New York.

Thomas’s work, was not his life though. He was a distinguished looking gentleman with his own personal sense of style. Thomas was a passionate, brilliant man, with an amazing sense of humor. His voice was a joy to listen to when he sang. At one point in the early 1990’s Thomas sang with Schola Cantorum of Syracuse. Thomas was also involved with the Sterling Renaissance Festival. First as an actor with the support troupe. Then he worked as a gamer at the Axe Throw. But his real joy, was when he fulfilled his dream to become a Jouster for New Riders of the Golden Age in his 30’s. He and his Love Seanna travelled up and down the East coast and throughout the Midwest with the company. He was truly, A Knight in Shining armor.

Thomas’s horsemanship skills were truly shown when he was in the list competing to be the Queen’s Champion. From Renaissance Faires across the country to Civil War reenactments. Thomas enjoyed performing on horseback.  Thomas was a part of the 1st Massachusetts Cavalry Company B, and the 1st Tennessee Cavalry Company B. To many within the reenacting communities, Thomas was known as the “Irishman”, or simply “The O’Mhaille”. In his final Unit the 9th New York Cavalry Company B he was ranked a Private with great skill on a horse and a viciously quick wit.

In the quiet times in Thomas’s life he enjoyed doing large puzzles, playing Dungeons and Dragons and many other games. Thomas was quite accomplished at cross stitch and crocheting that his mother taught him when he was young.

Through his last decade of his life his constant companion was his Red Border Collie, Caoilainn. When she passed away 13th of July 2022 of kidney disease. He’s heart was unequivocally broken. Thomas dreaded each day without her. The light and joy in Thomas simply went out.

Thomas is survived by Seanna – the woman who has loved him for decades even when they were apart. They were lucky enough to find each other again in their late fifties. They realized that the love they had for each other never faded even in his untimely death. Thomas’s final words were;

” I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

Thomas is also survived by his Sister Deb Winton and her husband Robert Winton of Camden, New York. His Brother Michael Wilczak of Turin, New York. His Brother David Wilczak and his wife Shannon of Rome, New York. And his sister Janice Wilczak also of Rome, New York. Plus, many nieces and nephews.

Services held privately.

If you wish to make a donation in Thomas’s name, please donate to the following:
The Friends of The Hunley at www.hunley.org/donate/ or to your local animal rescue or shelter.  Thank you.