Obituary of Thomas Patrick Hamilton

Age 72 of Elmira passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Tom was born in Elmira, son of the late Clifford E. Sr. and Virginia (Berwick) Hamilton. He was also predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years Kathleen M. (Agan) Hamilton; nephew Jamie Hamilton; son-in-law Jeffrey Jacobus. Tom is survived by daughter and son-in-law Elizabeth M. and Michael E. Thornton II of Barrington IL with their son Brendan T. Thornton; daughter Jacqueline M. Jacobus of Charleston SC with her children Alexander C. and Samantha M Jacobus; sister Linda Hamilton of Horseheads; brother and sister-in-law Clifford E. Jr. and Nancy Hamilton of Elmira; several nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws. Tom was a 1963 graduate of Southside High School. After high school Tom spent time in the Baltimore Orioles farm system and was a roommate of future Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer. Tom went to work with his father Clifford at Hamilton Meats at the age of 19. They were later joined by Cliff Hamilton, son to Clifford and brother to Tom. After Clifford retired Tom and Cliff continued to run the business. Tom retired in 2012. Tom was an exceptional athlete and had a lifelong love for sports. He was elected to the Southside High School Sports Hall of Fame for his baseball accomplishments. He had a passion for golf and played it competitively his entire life. He also enjoyed bowling and playing softball. He was an avid New York Yankee fan. Tom was a long time communicant of St. Mary's Church where he was baptized and married. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira, on Sunday, October 22, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Elmira. Private interment will take place at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Tom with a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN 38105.