HORNELL-Thomas A. “Tom” Rohan, 85, of 250 Grand St., Hornell, died Thursday evening (May 26, 2016) at Rochester General Hospital following a brief illness.
A native & life resident of Hornell, he was born September 3, 1930, and was the son of John & Gladys (Crosby) Rohan.
Tom attended Hornell High School but left school to join the US Army. He served his country from 1948-1950.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Tom began working at the Erie Railroad and later the Erie Lackawanna Railroad as a “signalman”, a position he held until his retirement in 1972. After his “retirement” from the railroad, Tom worked for John Gemmell as a carpet installer.
From 1976-1997, Tom was employed at the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) as a member of the Bridge Crew. For many years he also served as a bartender at the Southside Grill and the Hornell Elks Lodge.
Tom was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church where he was a member of the St. Ignatius Choir. In recent years, he was a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.
He was a 40+ member of the Hornell Elks Lodge; and several other local organizations including the Hornell Legion, the Moose, the Association and the AMVETS. As a member of the Hornell American Legion, Tom served on the Color Guard and in 1964 actually performed at the World’s Fair in New York City.
In his younger days Tom bowled and was an avid horse racing fan. He loved watching sports and was a big fan of the Yankees and Bills. He also had an endless collection of movies and memorabilia of his favorite actor John Wayne.
He was married on January 16, 1953 in Rochester, NY to the former Ann Marie Phillips who died in 2013. Tom was also preceded in death by 2 sisters, Arlene Robinson and Barbara Norton; and 3 brothers, Joseph Rohan, William Rohan and Jack Rohan.
He is survived by 4 sons, Timothy (Doreen) Rohan of Rochester, Mark (Barbara) Rohan of Nashua, NH, Edward (Stacy) Rohan of Windsor, NY and Thomas (Kathy) Rohan of Mesquite, TX; 1 daughter, Michelle (Douglas) Shinebarger of San Diego, CA; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces & nephews.
The family of Thomas A. “Tom” Rohan will receive friends on Tuesday (June 7, 2016) from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday (June 8, 2016) at 2:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Tom’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to the Hornell YMCA, 18 Center St., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the Hornell Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
In honor of Tom’s service to his country as a member of the US Army, the American Flag at the Dagon Funeral Home will be flown at half-staff.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit the Dagon Funeral Home.
