Thomas Menhennett

Thomas “Tom” Claire Menhennett, 83, of Binghamton, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 25, 2023.

Tom was raised in Binghamton, NY and as a young man served in the US Army Reserves. In the early 60s he was employed by Western Union who sent him to school to learn how to install and maintain advanced communication systems. Tom worked in this capacity traveling all across the country throughout the 60s and early 70s. Then, in order to stay closer to his family, he took a position at General Electric in Westover, NY as a program planner and quality control engineer supporting multiple fighter platforms. He worked there until his retirement, at which point, he went into business for himself building apartments and renovating houses to rent and manage.

Tom grew up fishing with his father on the Saint Lawrence. He shared his passion for fishing with his children and to this day we have many fond memories of these times together and fish tales to tell.  Tom also decided to purchase a speed boat which he towed behind his brand-new GTO convertible. We enjoyed many summer vacations up on Sandy Pond and Sidney reservoir, in this boat, water skiing and enjoying long summer days with our aunts, uncles and cousins. In his later years, Tom enjoyed working on his homestead. There was always a project to complete with another in the pipeline.  Reading and watching documentaries on advances in the sciences with his dog perched by his side and a cup of deluded coffee in his hand was also a favorite pastime.

The most important thing in Tom’s life was his children. He instilled in us the importance of striving for lofty goals and to be the best versions of ourselves. He did whatever it took to help us in these endeavors. He pushed us hard at times, but we respected his advice and took it to heart. We will always respect our father for his will of steal. He was a force to be reckoned with. After much thought, he would set his mind to something and then there was no changing his mind or turning back. He set an example for us to not compromise on what we know to be right. He was the bedrock of our family who not only guided us but provided solace when times got rough. We will never forget all the conversations that were filled with nuggets of wisdom. We came away from these sessions with a new perspective and a sense of peace. We will miss his presence but these conversations will always be part of us.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, William Wilson Menhennett and Hazel Menhennett Butts, sons, Thomas R. W. Menhennett and Timothy L. Menhennett, sisters, Joan Morgan, Iris Burnard and Noel Brooks, brothers-in-law, Richard Morgan and Jack Burnard, wives, Maria Menhennett Snopek and Marsha Menhennett O’Neil. He is survived by his sisters, Phyllis Pratt and Allison Dillabough, children, Holly Oberhaus, Richard Menhennett, Heather Menhennett, Mathew Menhennett and wife Tanya, daughters-in-law, Celeste Menhennett and Christina Menhennett, grandchildren, Christopher Oberhaus and wife, Jessica, Nathaniel Oberhaus, Benjamin Menhennett, Emily Menhennett, Ashley and Autumn Webb, Jacob and Audra Schnurbusch, Colby and Annabel Pickering, Katie Brooks and great grandson, Oliver Oberhaus. He leaves behind several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to Richard Menhennett for his loving care of our father during his twilight years. We love you, Rich. And a special thank you for the outstanding care given to Tom at Wilson Hospital ER. The doctors and the nursing staff worked with a high degree of commitment and professionalism all the while explaining every step to his family.

Visitation and memorial services will be held at DeMunn Funeral Home, 36 Conklin Ave, Binghamton, Friday, October 6, 2023, from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm. Private funeral services will be held at a later date. Because of our father’s love for learning and engineering, in lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation in his name to the MIND Research Institute by going directly to their website (https://www.mindresearch.org/). To forward condolences please visit www.demunn.com.