Obituary of Thomas G. Wells, Sr.

ILION – Mr. Thomas G. Wells, Sr., 78, went home to be with our Lord on the morning of Friday, March 25, 2022. He passed from this life unexpectedly, but peacefully, at home. Tom was born on October 8, 1943, in Mechanicville, NY to Ralph and Victoria (Beauvois) Wells. Growing up, he lived in many different places, including Burlington, Vermont, Louisville, Kentucky, Troy, NY and Reading, Pennsylvania. He had many entertaining stories about being “dirt poor” and all of the creative ways him, his mom and his siblings used to make ends meet to survive, growing up, including, but not limited to foraging for food and bartering with nuns at the nearby convent. After getting in a fight in high school, the judge gave him an ultimatum, to join the service or go to jail. So, he decided to enlist in the Army. After enlisting in the Army, he decided he actually wanted to go with the Air Force instead and after a series of confusing events, he ended up having his name changed to George. He was stationed in the Mohave Desert for a while, where it was “so hot we could cook eggs right on the pavement”. From there, he was stationed in South Korea, where he was a cook for the Airmen, which was the beginning of his love of cooking for others. Then he thought he was being sent to Rome, Italy, but ended up in Rome, NY. It was there, at a USO-sponsored dance, he met the love of his life, Joan (Snedeker) Wells, and they were wed on July 29, 1967. He worked as a civilian cook on a couple of different Air Force bases for a while and then he worked for Greyhound Food Services. Eventually, he decided he wanted to teach others how to cook, so he went back to school and began his most-loved career as the teacher of Culinary Arts, at Herkimer BOCES, where he stayed for many years until retirement. He also taught Hospitality, at MVCC briefly as well. For the past 15 years or so, he spent much of his time with his family and his church family at Ilion Community Church. Tom loved going to camp every summer, working on his boat and our family has many fond memories of summers at camp with him. He was happy just puttering around, tinkering here and there, fixing things and he loved telling outrageous stories about his life – some of which we’re still not sure if they actually happened. He found so much joy in cooking for and serving others. As soon as you stepped foot in his house or camper you’d immediately be greeted with a cheerful hello and a “What can I get ya?” He was a dynamic man and it seemed as though he’d lived much more than one life and he’ll be sorely missed by all the friends, family and students he’s left behind. But we have hope and faith in Christ that we’ll someday see him again. Tom leaves behind a loving family, his church family and many friends. Besides his wife of almost 55 years; his 3 daughters and sons-in-law, (lifelong nicknames included), Julie (Wells) Tsiatsos (Monkey) and Ed Tsiatsos, Jenifer Wells (Stinky) and Tim Dannenfelser, Alicea (Wells) Philo (Bingo) and Jim Philo and son, Tom Wells Jr.; 6 grandchildren and their spouses: Kayleigh (Riesel) Marosek (Nicky) and Jim Marosek, Ethan Riesel (Bub) and Callie (Wiggins) Riesel, Grace Wells-Dannenfelser (Amazing), Lily Wells-Dannenfelser (Smiley), Molly Philo (Ladybug) and Stephanie Wells (Mickey); and 6 great-grandchildren: Emma (Lady Em), William (Willy) and Margaret Marosek, Madilyn and Oliver Riesel and Carter Wells. He also leaves behind his sister, Susan (Wells) Sheidy and her husband, Anthony Sheidy; and several nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents; and his brothers, Richard (Dicky) and Ralph Wells. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Ilion Fire Department Paramedics and Ilion Police Department, who responded professionally and with great care and respect to the family. Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, from 3-5 p.m., at the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion/Frankfort, NY. Immediately following, a Celebration of Life Service will be held in honor of Tom. Because of Tom’s heart for at-risk youth, the family is going to donate to Herkimer County ICAN. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for the family to extend to this organization. Tom’s funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Funeral Directors Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia, of the Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, Ilion/Frankfort, NY (315-894-8000).