Thomas J. Gerondel

Thomas J Gerondel (Tom), longtime resident of Pearl River, formerly of the Bronx, died peacefully at Nyack Hospital on October 27th, 2023.  He was 76 years old.

Tom was born on March 21, 1947, in the Bronx to William (1986) and Marion (1959) Gerondel. He was educated in the Bronx.  After only attending 2 ½ years at Rice High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in May 1964 left in May 1967 with the rank of Lance Corporal.  He attained his GED at the end of his enlistment and attended Lehman College for 3 ½ years.

Tom was appointed to FDNY in October of 1968 and assigned to Engine 50 Ladder 19 on Washington Ave in the Bronx.  He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1988 and later assigned to Engine 43 Ladder 59 on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx.  While at Engine 43, Tom learned the bagpipes and earned his way onto the “most elite unit on the job”, the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. Thomas retired from the FDNY in August 1997.  In retirement, he was a very active member of the Pipes and Drums until he was not physically able to play anymore.

Locally, Tom was a Member of the American Legion, the AOH Division 3 and the Pearl River Elks.

Tom will be remembered for having the “look” of a bagpiper with his trademark mustache, his love of playing golf, traveling with his wife Carole, and for bellying up for a cold one.  Never at a loss for having a good time, he could hold court anywhere.  Later in his life, his main devotion was to his two grandsons.  Not physically being able to attend their sporting and school events was a source of despair for him near the end of his life. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Carole, who would have been married 52 years in December, his son Billy and wife Alison and his grandsons, Thomas (TJ) and Kevin Gerondel.  Tom is also survived by his sister, Joyce Matheson, husband Gerry and family.  He is predeceased by his sister Barbara and brother in law, Father Jack Niland, OFM, Cap.

Visitation will be held at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 1st from 2pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 2nd at 10am at St. Margaret of Antioch RC Church. 

Burial will follow at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Nanuet, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s name to the FDNY 343 Ride at www.FDNY343RIDE.com.

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