ALBANY – Thomas Christopher “Tom” Vacek, 31, of Albany, passed in his sleep on Monday, December 7, 2015. Tom had a big heart and was always quick to lend a helping hand. A sports fan his entire life, Tom enjoyed college basketball, golf, and auto racing. He will also be remembered for his prowess in the kitchen.
Tom is survived by his loving mother, Maureen Vacek of Albany; his brothers Michael Jr. of Richmond, VA and Timothy (Megan Vacek) of Nashville, TN. Tom was predeceased by his father Michael E. Vacek in 2005.
A memorial mass will be celebrated in All Saints Catholic Church, 16 Homestead St., Albany (behind CVS) on Friday, December 11, at 1:00pm. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital by calling 800-822-6344 and referencing Tribute Account # 39392918 (Thomas Christopher Vacek), or by mail to: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Tribute Program #39392918, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148. Interment will be in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Johnstown, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Jacqueline Eaton (Centi)
December 9, 2015 at 8:02 pmTo Tom’s family, especially Tim,
My heart goes out to you all, I remember having so much fun with Tom. I hope you all remember the good times, thinking of you all and praying for your happiness in this sad time.
Love,
Jacqueline
Joe & Lisa Wager
December 10, 2015 at 6:01 amOur thoughts and prayers are with the Vacek family during this difficult time. Embrace the memories and hold them close to your heart. May you take comfort in knowing others care.
Steven U Teitelbaum
December 10, 2015 at 6:07 amPlease accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your son and brother. I was a friend of Michaels and worked with him on various issues relating to job. I also remember playing golf with Mike and the boys at Albany CC.. Again, my sympathy for your loss.
Greg Bauer
December 10, 2015 at 7:12 amHi Maureen, Mike, and Tim,
I’m very sorry to hear about Tom. My Dad just told me about it this morning. I always remember Tom as a real nice guy and a great competitor in the neighborhood sports circuit.
We’ll make sure to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.
Greg
Jenifer Pratico
December 10, 2015 at 8:24 amSo sorry very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Matt and Natalie Pinckney
December 10, 2015 at 8:26 amDear Maureen, Mike and Tim,
We feel blessed to have known Tom, and been able to spend Christmases with him in recent years. His subtle humor and quick wit were a welcome addition to any conversation, and Tom’s kind nature made being with him easy.
We will miss Tom deeply, and will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Matt & Natalie
Kelly Cordi
December 10, 2015 at 9:24 amDear Maureen,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my most sincere condolences for the loss of your son. If I can do anything for you, please let me know-I would like to be able to help in any way I possibly can.
Kelly
Kyle Armstrong
December 10, 2015 at 11:38 amSo sorry to hear about Tom. He was fun to be around, I’ll always remember the good times we had working together at Pinehaven.
Vickie Cascini
December 10, 2015 at 11:44 amMaureen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Words can never express the sorrow I feel for you and your family, from one mother to another.
God bless,
Vickie
Corina Baugh
December 10, 2015 at 1:06 pmI am so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. He was my student for 3 years. May he rest in peace. God bless him and his wonderful family.
Lin Severance
December 10, 2015 at 3:44 pmMaureen and family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope the very best of Tom lives on in you through the stories that you tell and the memories that you share. May peace be with you and may time heal your heart.
Lin
Sandy and John driska
December 10, 2015 at 3:59 pmWe are so Heartbroken. We just saw Tommy over Thanksgiving. He and Rob were taking the kids back to Boston. Out prayers and love are with all of you. Sandy and John
Demian Singleton
December 10, 2015 at 6:16 pmDear Maureen, Tim, and family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Tom. Although I have not seen Tom in a number of years, I remember him well as a student in my seventh-grade science class. Even at such a young age, Tom stood out as an exceptional student, leader, and person. He never ceased to lift my classes with his sense of humor, inquisitive mind, and support of others. I can honestly say that in my 20+ years in education that Tom is a student who I have never forgotten. He will always have a place in my heart….as will Tim. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Carol Kelly
December 11, 2015 at 4:38 amDear Maureen
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. I am so very sorry for your loss
Barbara Webb
December 11, 2015 at 5:50 amMaureen, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May his memory always be a blessing to you.
Barbara
Bryan
December 11, 2015 at 10:07 amMy sincerest condolences to you and the family, Mo. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joe and Linda Torre
December 14, 2015 at 10:43 amMaureen and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Tom. Joe remembers him as always being a very hard worker on the basketball court and in PE class. He was always so much fun to be around. Your family has endured too much loss in a short period of time which breaks our hearts. We will be thinking of all of you and send our prayers during this extremely difficult time.
Coach and Linda Torre
Bill Aube
December 14, 2015 at 1:56 pmMaureen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss.
Bill