Obituary of Thomas F. Vrooman

Thomas F. Vrooman, 84, formerly of Catherine Street, died Wednesday evening at the Edward L. Wilkinson RHCF. Born on February, 5, 1922 in Johnstown, New York he was the son of the late Orvil and Elizabeth Cooper Vrooman. He was a lifelong area resident and attended St. Patrick?s school in Johnstown. Mr. Vrooman was a veteran of WWII serving in the United States Army. He toured through the Panama Canal Zone, India and Burma, China. In 1945 he returned home, to Amsterdam when he has since resided. Mr. Vrooman was a construction worker for various firms throughout the capital district. He later was employed as a baker for Pepe?s Bakery in Amsterdam until his retirement in 1961. Mr. Vrooman was a member of the American Legion, Post 701 and the V.F.W. He was also a communicant of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church. On August 19, 1944 he was united in marriage to the former Geraldine Fariello. That union lasted 43 years until her death on August 12, 1987. He was also predeceased by two daughters, Geraldine Voigt and Betty Ann Eagan. Survivors include his companion of many years, Karolina Skiba of Amsterdam; three grandchildren, Timothy Voigt of Amsterdam, Colleen Rutten and her Barry of Washington, and Tracy Bottisti and her husband Gary of Amsterdam; two great grandchildren Lorenzo and Marco Bottisti of Amsterdam; and one son in law, Richard Voigt of Amsterdam. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday morning at 11:15a.m. at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam with the Rev. Stanley Swierowski officiating. Interment will take place in St. Michael?s Cemetery with military honors. Calling hours are Friday evening from 5 until 7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Edward L. Wilkinson RHCF Activities Fund, 4988 State Highway 30, Amsterdam, NY 12010.