Former Piermont resident Thomas F. Carley died on February 24, 2014 at his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Son of Thomas and Margaret (nee Brennan), Tom was born on January 27, 1933 in New York City. He attended St. Pius High School and John Jay College in New York. It was love at first sight when he met a young beauty from his South Bronx neighborhood, Eileen Maye. They were wed on June 21, 1958.
Tom served as a proud and devoted member of the New York City Police Department for 25 years, retiring in 1983 as a Detective in the 48th precinct. He then served as Director of Security at the Providence Rest Home in the Bronx. He finished his working years closer to home, serving two years as Executive Assistant to the Orangetown Town Supervisor.
Tom was an admired member of his community, known for his friendly demeanor and eagerness to help anyone in need. He was a long time parishioner at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Piermont, was a member of the Knights of Columbus of Piermont, the Detectives Endowment Association and the Emerald Society of the NYPD, and served as Chairman of the Orangetown Conservative party.
Tom made the most of his retirement years. A highlight of his travels with Eileen was a 1994 trip to Ireland to visit the home of his late mother in Carrigaholt, County Clare, Ireland. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed daily walks along the Piermont Pier and spent many mornings reading the newspaper and exchanging news with friends and neighbors at Canzona’s Market. He was a faithful fan of both the NY Mets and the NY Football Giants. Of all he enjoyed in life, nothing surpassed his love of family and the time he spent with them.
Tom is survived by a devoted family: His loving wife of 55 years, Eileen of Port St. Lucie, Florida; six children: Kathleen Harris (Scott) of Bronxville, NY, Thomas (MaryBeth) of Blauvelt, John (Maria) of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jean Dennehy (John) of Piermont, NY, Mary Carley-Pilon (Philippe) of Rueil Malmaison, France, and Peg DeGennaro (Kenneth) of Northvale, NJ; and he was “Pop-Pop” to 20 cherished grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his brother, Patrick of East Patchogue, NY, and two sisters, Margaret Geraghty of Rockaway, NY and Mary Gallagher of Little Neck, NY and will be remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors.
“I wonder what the poor people are doing?” Tom would intone during his happiest moments with family and friends, in recognition that in terms of love and happiness, he lived a truly rich life.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 7 – 9 pm and Sunday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 pm at Pizzi Funeral home in Northvale, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St John’s in Piermont followed by burial at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt, NY or the Alzheimer’s Association.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com