Thomas C. Brickner, a lifelong resident of Chelsea, passed away on March 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. He was 74 years old.
Tom was born on August 24, 1949, in Beacon the son of the late William and Margaret Hughes Brickner. Tommy, or Slizz as he was known to be called, grew up in the hamlet of Chelsea. He loved walking the woods around Chelsea and just loved living there. The unofficial Mayor of Chelsea, Tom would ride around in his truck every day and check out the neighborhood finding out the local activity and offering help where he could. He was always assisting somebody with something in town. On April 4, 1970, at St. John’s Church in Beacon, he married the former Judith Dross who survives at home. He retired from Carpenter’s Local 279 in 2008.
Tom was a true “homeboy” who loved his family, home and community. He was a life member of the Chelsea Firehouse as well as a Fire Commissioner for the Board of Fire Commissioners Chelsea Fire District for 39 years and served as President for several years as well. He had a true sense of community and responsibility which he adhered to for the taxpayers of the district.
Tom liked the simple things of life, particularly hunting and his cabin in Gilbertsville, NY, where he spent considerable time with family and friends. He was a life member of the Chelsea Sportsmen’s Association and a life member of the NRA.
Tom will be greatly missed and leaves behind his love of 54 years, Judy; his two sons, Thomas (Elizabeth Hockler) and Jeffrey; his siblings, Carole Mandia (Anthony), Denise LaValle (George), David Brickner (Kim) and Paul Brickner (Eileen); his sister-in-law, Lorraine Monroe; his brother-in-law, Bob Dross (Bev); his nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brother, William and sister, Peggy.
The family would sincerely like to thank the Nurses and Patient Techs at Vassar Hospital as well as the nurses and techs at Beacon Dialysis Center. The care he received from them at both places was nothing but awesome.
At some point, he felt as though they became family. Also, thanks to Dr. Paul Feldman who over the years became his buddy.
Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, March 26 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, 2 Beekman Street, Beacon. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 27 at 10 a.m. and private cremation will follow.
Rest easy Slizz…job well done.
To send a personal condolence please visit www.riverviewbyhalvey.com.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Patrick J. Halvey of Riverview Funeral Home by Halvey, LLC.
