Thomas Philip Farnam

Thomas Philip Farnam of Alford, MA passed on to Eternal Life on October 12, 2013 at home with his loving family at his side, following a seven year courageous battle with cancer. Born June 15, 1947 in Albany, NY to the late Dr. Philip and Margaret (McCune) Farnam, Tom grew up in Hudson, NY and also lived in Stuyvesant, NY and Alford, MA where he raised his family.

After graduating from St. Mary's Academy, Hudson NY, Thomas earned a BA in American Studies from St. Michael's College, Winooski, Vermont and a MS in Childhood Education from Russell Sage College, Troy, NY.

What began as temporary employment, grew into a fulfilling and rewarding 40 year career, teaching hundreds of youth in the Hudson City School District: Kindergarten and Grade 4 at Greenport School, Kindergarten at Claverack School and Grades 5 and 6 at Montgomery C. Smith Middle School, where he was teaching when he retired in June 2008.

While living in Hudson, Tom was an active member and Captain of CH Evans Hook and Ladder Co. No. 3 before being named First Assistant Chief of the Hudson Fire Department. Tom Farnam was a man of the arts. An accomplished pianist, clarinetist and trumpet player, he also enjoyed playing the organ. Playing the trumpet with the Ghent Band for many years brought him great happiness as did the camaraderie he shared with fellow musicians in the band. He also enjoyed playing the horn with his students in their school band concerts. Tom briefly helped teach dance at Roz's Dance Works in Hudson and performed in musical productions with the Hudson Teachers' Association Players, The Ghent Players and MacHaydn Theater.

Tom was strongly connected to Church and spirituality, bringing his talents to music ministries as a choir member, soloist, bell keeper, organist and lector in church congregations in both Columbia and Berkshire Counties. He felt especially privileged to have studied voice with Charles Olegar and to have sung in his music ministry. Tom's spirituality and unfailing faith in God's healing power, often expressed through his music, guided him through his seven year fight for his life.

During the past five years, he and his family made many trips to Ireland, choosing the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry as a kind of second home. The views over Dingle Bay, explorations through The Conor Pass, the many friends made among Dingle folk, all provided a special healing environment for him and lifelong friendships for his family.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Lisa (Gansowski) Farnam, son Brendan Thomas Farnam, daughter Keeley Maeve Farnam, all of Alford, MA; daughter Sarah Kathleen Farnam, Sarasota, Florida; daughter Jenny Farnam Neuhoff and son-in-law Joseph Neuhoff, Waretown, NJ; and son Brett Farnam, Imperial, Missouri; his sister Mary Elizabeth (Farnam) Vincent and brother-in-law Curtis Vincent, Claverack, NY; nephews Matthew C. Vincent, Manhattan; and Daniel Farnam Vincent, Brooklyn, NY; and a cousin, Connor O'Rourke, Santa Clara, California. Tom was predeceased by his aunt, Elizabeth M. O'Rourke; his uncle Thomas Farnam, and cousin, Joseph F. O'Rourke.

Friends are invited and may call on Friday October 18, 2013 from 5 - 8 PM at the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, 8063 State Route 22 in Copake ,NY.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday October 19, 2013 at 2 PM at the Rock Solid Church, Union St. in Hudson, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to assist the family c/o Peck and Peck Funeral Home, PO Box D, Copake NY 12516.

---