Obituary of H. Thomas Laun

H. Thomas Laun, 81, of Syracuse and Cape Vincent, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Crouse Hospital. He was a veteran of the US Air Force and was a member of the New York Air National Guard, 138th Fighter Squadron “The Boys from Syracuse”. While in the Air Force, he received the “Airman of the Year” award in 1962 at Phalsbourg AFB in France. Tom was a retired Deputy Fire Chief for the Syracuse Fire Department. He served as a firefighter for over 35 years and was honored with several meritorious awards including New York State Fire Fighter of the Year in 1964. He also received the Hamilton White Brotherhood Award in 1995, the SPAAMFAA Robinson Award in 2006, and was named the “Eastwood Firefighter of the Year” by the Eastwood American Legion Post in 1980. He was a lifetime member and past vice-president of International Association of Firefighters, Local 280. He served for many years as a Fire Instructor for the State of New York. Tom was also a honorary member of numerous local fire departments. He was past president of the Onondaga County Fire Chiefs Association, and was a founding member of SPAAMFAA. He was a member of the CNY chapter of SPAAMFAA. Tom was a published appraiser of fire department antiques and collectibles. He was the co-proprietor with his wife Patricia of the Cape Vincent Flea Market at Millen’s Bay. He was pre-deceased by his son, Deputy Police Chief Timothy T. Laun and his parents: Howard T. and Doris May Philo Laun. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Patricia (Baker) Laun; daughters: Linda Laun of Clay, Jean (Chris) DeJohn of Minoa; daughter-in-law Rosemarie Laun; brother: Peter James (Sandra) Laun of Syracuse; brother in law Richard (Joyce) Baker; sister in law Laureen Baker; grandchildren: Marisa (Ryan) Pickard, Katrina DeGilormo, Rebecca & Sarah DeJohn, William Thomas Laun and several nieces and nephews. Private services were held on Saturday, May 2. Online condolences and to view the services, www.shepardsonfh.com. The family would like to thank Dr George, his cardiology team, and the healthcare heroes at Crouse Health. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Deputy Police Chief Timothy T. Laun Scholarship Fund, c/o the Syracuse Fire Department Employees Federal Credit Union, 211 Wilkinson Street, Syracuse 13204.