Thomas M. Crowley

Thomas M. Crowley, age 72, of Potato Hill Road, Boonville, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Tom was born on August 30, 1953, in Palo Alto, California, the son of James and Zillah Crowley. He grew up in California until moving briefly to Texas then on to Sherrill, NY during his high school years.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carla and their three children: Christopher (Kate) of Seattle, Elizabeth (Kyle) Bielby of Baldwinsville, and Jaime (Dan DeNovio) of Boonville. Known as Boppa Tom, he enjoyed his precious little grandchildren: Arthur and Caleb Crowley, Cole and Caroline Bielby and Bailey DeNovio.

Tom remained very close to his four siblings, all living: Jim (Mary Kay), Bob (Jeanne) from California, Barbara (Marty) from Massachusetts, and Bill (Karen) from Florida. As well as Carla’s siblings, Cathie Rose from Maryland and Ed Clawson from Georgia. Uncle Tom was also beloved by many special nieces and nephews.

Tom graduated from Vernon Verona Sherrill High School and went on to study Sciences at SUNY Geneseo. He received his BS in Biology with concentrations in Chemistry and Geology. He completed his Master’s degree from SUNY Cortland and furthered his education during summer breaks at Cornell and Princeton Universities.

Tom began teaching High School Sciences at Adirondack in 1979. During his 31 years at Adirondack, he implemented new courses and programs including AP Biology, Forensics as well as cross country skiing.

In the classroom he was well known for his supply of classroom pets! The albino frog, bearded dragon, a tarantula, turtles, chicks, fish, and anything students brought in from home. Does anyone remember the day the dead cow came to school for dissection? (true story) Mr. Crowley would readily adapt plans for an unexpected learning experience.

Outside of the classroom he could be found running the halls, in the weight room, doing pole vault drills in the pool or challenging students to a race. His passion for coaching student athletes was apparent to everyone!

While all programs were dear to him, Track and Field was his specialty. He devoted countless hours throughout the years; lining grass tracks (in the 80’s), sectional championships and taking athletes to the State Competitions. He was every athlete’s biggest supporter and could be seen running alongside with his stopwatch. Tom was meticulous about times and distances and always remembered a former athlete’s success. He spent his “leisure time” exercising – biking, running, swimming, or skiing, always recording the miles logged and matching past years numbers! Tom and his family spent countless hours enjoying the canal path in town and at Erwin Park. Thursday evening with the Toe Path Trekkers was always a main event!! Tom enjoyed years of participation in the Empire State Games, Boilermaker, many other road races and triathlons throughout his lifetime.

Although Tom’s life was altered by Alzheimer’s Disease, his kind, generous personality remained unchanged. As the disease progressed, Tom’s devotion and adoration for his family stayed strong. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the Sunset Nursing Home Community and their caring staff. A special thanks to those who work tirelessly in C Wing. Your kindness was always felt.

The public is invited to share in remembrance of Toms’ life with an informal visitation at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, NY, on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 2-6PM. Snacks and Chocolate will be provided (Tom would like that!)

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Christ Our Hope Parish, Charles St. Boonville, NY, on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11 AM, with Rev. Thomas Ward as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Boonville Fire and Ambulance Department, PO Box 164, Boonville, NY 13309 or The Friends of Erwin Park, 13149 State Rte. 12, Boonville, NY 13309.