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5 tree(s) planted in memory of H. Thomas Laun
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Melissa (Jennings) Newell posted a condolence
Friday, January 15, 2021
It’s been many years since I’ve seen Uncle Tom and Aunt Pat. I miss our Syracuse family. Praying for you and so sorry about Timmy too.
Melissa (Jennings) Newell (Debby and Jack Jennings family)
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Ken and Michelle Kavanagh posted a condolence
Friday, June 12, 2020
Please accept our sincerest condolences over the loss of Mr. Laun. We just found out and are deeply saddened. We so looked forward to seeing him (and Mrs. Laun) every year when he opened their flea market. May God bring comfort and peace to the hearts of his family. God bless you.
MelissaandKevin Kinne posted a condolence
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Dear Pat and family,
Kevin and I wanted to reach out to you to express our sadness in hearing about Tommy, how sorry we are. Tom was a guy that from the moment you met him, you would NEVER forget him. He was a firefighter. He was Syracuse, and there was a lot of history. Tom reached out to the county volunteers to try and help with equipment and training, and Amber was one of those departments he helped in all probability, more than he would ever know. Tom was an honorary member of our department, and rarely missed our annual installation of officers banquet. Tom could be so funny you would be sore from laughing, but when the buzzer hit, it was go time and he was serious. Our little department on Otisco Lake was faced with many challenges, water supply was just one. Yes, we were near the lake, but you have to get the water out and get it to the fire scene. A whole lot harder than you think. At the beginning it was a tanker operation, and portable ponds. When the technology advanced, Tom introduced us to large diameter supply lines and gated Y’s to handle the attack lines. That was but a small sampling of what was to come from Tom. His dedication, selflessness and pure love of the fire service was second to none, and we were the beneficiaries. Thank you Pat, for sharing him with us all of those years. We are so grateful to you as well.
With love, Melissa and Kevin Kinne
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Jim Saturno posted a condolence
Sunday, May 17, 2020
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr Laun was a class act gentleman and my deepest condolences go out to you...
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LJohnson posted a condolence
Friday, May 15, 2020
Aunt Patty, Linda and Jean,
The Raterman family sends our condolences and sympathy at the loss of Uncle Tom. Our parents always thought so highly of him and of you. May God bless you all and comfort you.
Love, Lori (Raterman) Johnson, Max Raterman, Matt Raterman and Jennifer Raterman.
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sarahellensmithartist@gmail.com posted a condolence
Friday, May 8, 2020
Curt & I are so sad to learn of Tom’s passing. Through the years we feel we went past just being customers to being friends. Tom was always so kind and so generous to us. Our thoughts go out to Pat and the rest of the family with affection and shared sadness.
Sarah Ellen Smith and Curtis Dundon of Clayton NY.
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Dave lit a candle
Thursday, May 7, 2020
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To Patricia and the family: I never knew Tom as a fire fighter but instead as another great Cape Vincent neighbor. His friendly demeanor and welcoming nature was always present whether we were dropping off the boat, visiting the store or just bumping into him out and about. He would willingly share a fishing hotspot, "not far from the house", or share his knowledge about the area and who was the best contact to reach out to help you with a task. He was a true neighbor and we will miss him.
So glad to have known him and offer you and your family our sincere deepest sympathies.
If we can ever be of any service, please reach out.
God Bless
Dave and Nancy Dinger
(On The Rocks)
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Todd Ingerson posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. We live in the Cape Vincent area and were at the flea market frequently. Such a sad thing.. such a wonderful man. Todd and Faye Ingerson.
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Jen, Greg, and Asher planted a tree in memory of H. Thomas Laun
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
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Uncle Tom was truly one of a kind, and he will live on in all of our hearts and good memories. Lots of love, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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A tree was planted in memory of H. Thomas Laun
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
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Bill Lee planted a tree in memory of H. Thomas Laun
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
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Will remember you forever, Tom. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Bill Lee posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Dearest Pat, Linda, and Jean,
I am sorry to hear of Tom's passing. As you already know, Tom and I have been friends for a long time. During high school I ran with friends that belonged to Explorer post 280, and Tom suggested that I join up and I did. In those days in 1977 we used to meet at station 6 on Oneida Street in the chief's room and did our training at the tower at school. Usually we would have either Dave Maycumber, Dave Reeves, or Don Krick with us.
Spare engine 2 we would do many evolutions through the tower and even jumped off the roof into the life net. After that, I was hooked, I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. However I also wanted to be a radioman to follow in my dad's and brother's shoes (as my dad worked for Conrail in Minoa and my brother worked for Bush Electronics. Tommy was part time there, too). I soon met Tom and found out that he needed someone to repair radios for some of his customers. I met Tom one day at a fire scene and we were serving coffee and lemonade. He told me what he was trying to do with all things radio, and from that point we were good frinds. As I was driving my 1972 Plymouth Duster, I decided Explore post 280 needed a radio system. My brother and I thought that 43.00 mhz would be the frequency of choice, seeing as that way we could talk to my base station (my mother's house) on Melrose Ave (KZM-396), or Bush Electronics (KYS-76) or what later would be our base (WZL-835) which was operated at Steve Wehner's house. Shortly after that, Joe Galloway joined, and soon the 280 control center was born, operated by Joe's mother Judy Galloway who would dispatch us on signal 99 from her living room. Any time of the day, day or night, she would answer the radio.
In 1980, I was 59th on the city fire test, however, now working for United Radio, I was happy there and did not pursue the SFD anymore more, but continued to serve the men at fires for many years.
I also knew Tom's son Tim (as we graduated the same year in 1979). Our friendship had grown stronger through the years until his passing. I also knew Tom's father, Howard, of the original "700 club."
I recently saw Tom at my brother's wake in January of 2019 and we talked about the past as well as the present. I am still living in Hastings, just north of Central Square and even some people up here know of Tom. I was proud to have known him and will think about him often. If you need anything, please call me at 315-668-2096.
- Bill Lee
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A tree was planted in memory of H. Thomas Laun
Monday, May 4, 2020
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With deepest sympathy, Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Mel DeBottis posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
Jean I am so sorry for your loss. I had the joy of working for your brother Tim at SPD and then meeting your Dad at the Red Barn. He was a good man and I see where you and Tim got your sense of humor. Our prayers are with you during this terrible time.
Mel & Hollie
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Michael J. Okoniewski posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
District Chief Laun was instrumental in the development of my skills photographing the SFD for the Syracuse Newspapers.
I will miss him. So long Car 4.
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acbell@ptd.net posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, May 4, 2020
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Will miss. Effervescent personality and fire buff knowledge at the Allentown Show. Al and Mike Firemark Specialties. God Bless.
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Loren O.Michels posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing .Can't forget the good times we had while in the 138th.and Phalsburg. My thoughts are with you Pat and family and brother Pete. Loren O. Michels
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Tom and Jackie Shand posted a condolence
Sunday, May 3, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Laun family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Chief Laun was a fireman's fireman and had an incredible talent to make everyone feel welcomed at any time. I treasure the conversations and time spent with him over the years and am confident he is looking down on us know with a smile and a story to keep us well.
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Jo Kowaleeewski posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, May 3, 2020
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Dear Pat and family,
Ed and I were so saddened to learn of Tom's passing! We just watched the beautiful funeral Mass and Mausoleum service which was so deeply touching. The magnificent firemen's tribute with all the fire trucks lined up in front of your house was such a tribute to him, as he was loved by all. He was the "fireman's Fireman!"
Although we haven't seen each other in many years, we always had fond memories of you and Tom.
Know that he is in the loving arms of our Savior and Lord , Jesus Christ.
With love and blessings ..
Ed & Jo Kowalewski
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Tom Szwajkos posted a condolence
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Tom was my brother Paul’s best friend in Syracuse. They were the dynamic duo at swap meets in the area. I used to enjoy all of the stories about Tom from my brother about squeezing vendors at swap meets and measuring pancakes that were advertised to be 10 inches wide and teasing the waitress about it. Tom drove m6 brother crazy because he would always say I will meet you not at 10:30 but 10:32 or some other off beat time. We visited Tom’s property in Cape Vincent and enjoyed our day visiting with him and his wife and seeing his extensive collection of fire memorabilia. We emailed each other frequently and I always enjoyed the cartoons he would send. I would forward him a digital copy of the Federal Firefighter newsletter and I know he enjoyed reading it. We are all very sad about his passing and I know my brother is devastated about losing his great friend. My son, who is a firefighter said Tom was definitely an old school firefighter and that is a wonderful thing!
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John Kavanaugh posted a condolence
Sunday, May 3, 2020
To the Laun family, I lived on Mildred Ave and knew Tom for over 70 years. He was always a stand up gentleman and a first class Fireman. It is with My deepest sympathy and a prayer, for You and Tom. I will always fondly remember Him. Sincerely, John Kavanaugh
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Dean Thmas posted a symbolic gesture
Sunday, May 3, 2020
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My deepest condolences to the Laun Family. It has been a great personal honor to know many members of the Laun family. In a secondary way I have been associated with two generations of Launs, It has been many years since I have been in the presence of Tom and family. When I think of Syracuse Tom Laun has been in my thoughts. I have attempted to keep in touch through his brother and I know that he will always be apart of my life. My the memory of his name be eternal.
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Ernie Campagna posted a condolence
Sunday, May 3, 2020
Not just a great firefighter, a great person. Once you met him he never forgot your name. My first D/C when I came on at E-7. "B.M.A." I was proud to be "One of his men". God rest your soul. Condolences to your family. Ernie Campagna E-7 Squad T-4
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Anthony Stack uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, May 2, 2020
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My condolences to you and your family. I first met Chief Laun this past February at the Collins Block Memorial. We talked for a few minutes and I asked him if I could take his picture. He was very happy that I asked him. This is the picture I took. I will cherish the picture forever. RIP Chief Laun.
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David Akkoul posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
The Chief and I had many great times at station 5. He was a great and knowledgeable firefighter and a wonderful person. I’ll miss running into him. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Margaret Gray posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Linda and Family
I am so sorry for your loss! I alway liked to visit with him and your Mom in the summer. He always had a a smile and loved to share stories with everyone. May God be with all of you at this difficult time.
Peggy Gray
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Dave Reeves posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Tom and I enjoyed our fire department speaking engagements, and the amount (and quality) of the stories about the fire service that the man could tell were beyond compare. I can still hear his laugh as he ended each tale with "True story! You can't make this stuff up!" I will miss that laugh, and the joy he brought to any gathering. Anything we are able to see down the road in the fire service is because we stood on the shoulders of giants . . . giants like my friend Tommy Laun. Farewell, buddy. I miss you already.
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A tree was planted in memory of H. Thomas Laun
Saturday, May 2, 2020
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With the greatest respect to a great friend of so many. Collectors will all miss you and your commitment to the fire collecting hobby every day. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Tom Donathan posted a condolence
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Chief was a good friend and a great guy to do business with. His knowledge of fire memorabilia was vast and he never hesitated to share it. We constantly sent customers to each other. Allentown won't be the same without him. Rest easy Chief. We will take it from here. Tom Donathan. IAFF Local 12 Wheeling, WV
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Funeral Home uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, May 2, 2020
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The family of H. Thomas Laun uploaded a photo
Friday, May 1, 2020
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The family of H. Thomas Laun uploaded a photo
Friday, May 1, 2020
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