Tom was born on October 24, 1948 in Waterbury, CT to Thomas F. and Pamela (Wyant) Foley, joining his older sister Patricia and beloved cousin Rosalind Baxter. Tom was a proud graduate of St. Michael’s College in Vermont where he made many lifelong friends. He remained active in its alumni association serving as president and alumni representative to the College’s Board of Directors.
On August 22, 1970, Tom married the love of his life, Bernadette Buczek. They celebrated their golden anniversary earlier this year. They raised twin daughters, Karin and Lisa. Tom and Bernadette lived in West Hartford, CT for 43 years before moving to Lewiston, ID after retiring from the insurance industry.
Tom was a lifelong Democrat, and worked on many national, state and local campaigns. He served on the WH Democratic Town Committee for years and later the Nez Perce County Democratic Central Committee. He also hosted his own television show, “democratic discourse” on WH’s public access channel with Bernadette as producer.
Tom was known for his love of music and his beautiful voice. He was a proud member of the choir at the Church of St. Peter Claver for decades and later the choir at All Saints Catholic Church. In retirement, he shared his time and talents with Gifts of Music, a charity providing instruments and music lessons to WH Public School students in need, even continuing his involvement from Idaho. Tom was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was proud of Knights’ work on behalf of children and families in continuing the tradition of its founder and fellow Waterbury native, Bl. Fr. Michael McGivney, who was beatified only 9 days after Tom’s death.
First and foremost, Tom was a proud and dedicated husband and father. He treasured his family and embraced every moment with them. From the moment they were born prematurely to the moment he died, his love and support of the twins was unparalleled and he found great pleasure and pride in their many accomplishments. Later in life, he rejoiced in his role as PaTom to his granddaughters Penny, Beth, Ellie and Evelyn, and grandson Teddy.
Tom and Bernadette enjoyed traveling the world together. They loved to visit new cities, especially to cheer on his beloved New York Yankees. Tom was known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and kindness. He made friends wherever he went and will be missed by all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his wife Bernadette, daughter Karin Seubert and husband Adam, daughter Lisa Margheim and husband Steve, brother-in-law Robert Soderquist, sisters-in-law Patricia Nordling and husband Dave Nordling and Sherri Buczek, beloved grandchildren, nieces Kimberly Curtin and Becky Garrish and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patricia (Foley) Soderquist, cousin Rosalind Baxter, brother-in-law Jack Buczek, and nephews Christopher Nordling and Chris Buczek.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM (PST) at All Saints Catholic Church in Lewiston. Vassar-Rawls is handling the arrangements. A live stream of the funeral Mass will be available on the Vassar-Rawls website and Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. A memorial Mass at The Church of St. Peter Claver is planned for the future. Memorials may be made to the Walter Hawver Scholarship Fund at St. Michael’s College, Gifts of Music, or All Saints Catholic School.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, November 21, 11:00 AM
- Location
-
All Saints Catholic Church
3330 14th Street
Lewiston, ID 83501
Get Directions - Additional Details
- A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM (PST) at All Saints Catholic Church in Lewiston. Vassar-Rawls is handling the arrangements. A live stream of the funeral Mass will be available on the Vassar-Rawls Facebook page for those unable to attend in person. A memorial Mass at The Church of St. Peter Claver is planned for the future. Memorials may be made to the Walter Hawver Scholarship Fund at St. Michael’s College, Gifts of Music, or All Saints Catholic School.
Condolences
Ken Jacks
So sorry for your loss. Tom added a great deal to our church choir community.
Saturday, November 21, 2020 11:38 AM
Emory Wyant
Although he was my 1st cousin, he was like a brother to me. I loved him and will miss him for the rest of my life.
Friday, November 20, 2020 12:25 PM
Kevin Sullivan
Carolyn and I offer our condolences to Bernadette and all of Tom's family. Fond memories of so many campaigns together in West Hartford. We keep you in our thoughts.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 10:50 AM
Angela Armour
Bernadette and Family,
On behalf of the Saint Michael's College Alumni Association please accept my most heartfelt condolences on Tom's passing. Many fellow Purple Knights have reached out expressing their sorrow over losing Tom. We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020 5:52 AM
Debbie Buczek
My heart goes out to all. He will always be there by your side. Just listen to the song from Tim McCraw
"Please Remember Me." He is always there.
Sunday, November 15, 2020 10:22 AM
Carole Cox, (from St. Peter Claver)
Dear Bernadette,
I was so sorry to learn of Tom's death. What an outstanding person he was. I have fond memories of both of you. When I last saw you, it was at a St. PC choir performance. You & your family are in my prayers.
Sunday, November 15, 2020 8:02 AM
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