Thomas L. Louis
Thomas L. Louis
CASTORLAND, NY ~ Thomas L. Louis, 82, formerly of Castorland, died Sunday, October 11, 2009, in the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility, Lowville, where he had resided since May 4, 2006.
Born June 9, 1927, in Castorland, NY, a son of Leon and Jessie A. Purcell Louis, he received his early education in Castorland local schools and was graduated from Lowville Academy in 1946.
A World War II veteran, Mr. Louis entered the US Army on September 24, 1945, and served primarily with the Medical Eighth Constabulary Squadron. He also served as an Infantryman in Germany in the European Theatre of Operations. He was honorably discharged from active duty as a Private First Class on March 6, 1947, from Fort Dix, NJ. He continued his service in the Army Reserves until being honorably discharged from there on February 14, 1950.
Mr. Louis began work for Climax Manufacturing in Castorland in 1950 and worked continuously for the company for 39 years until his retirement in 1989.
Mr. Louis was recognized throughout the North Country as being an accomplished musician. For many years during his life, he played bass fiddle and other musical instruments for a number of orchestras and bands throughout the area. He also sang for area bands and at local musicals, the Adult Education Choral Group, and was the Music Director for many years at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Castorland. Additionally, he was an extremely talented artist having learned to paint from his brother, Edward. His most favorite well known paintings were of bridges, people and animals that he had painted in oils or acrylics.
Mr. Louis was a communicant of St. Stephen’s Church, Croghan, and was a member of its Folk Group. He was a former communicant of St. Ann’s Church in Castorland and a former member of its Holy Name Society.
He was also a member of the Lowville American Legion, Lowville VFW, and Lowville Drum Corps. He also was an avid reader and enjoyed hunting and constantly writing about and documenting his life.
Surviving are a brother, Edward J. Louis, Holland Patent; two sisters, Rafael Puccini, Saranac Lake, and Patricia Shelhamer, Coxsackie, and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Bernard, and Paul (the twin of Bernard who died at birth), and two sisters, Elaine Coccuzzoli and Kathleen Scott.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Scanlon Funeral Home, Croghan. Members of the Lewis County VFW and Lowville American Legion will meet on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home for a brief memorial service.
Tom’s funeral will be on Wednesday, beginning with a 10:15 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home, followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral Mass from St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Croghan, with the Rev. Daniel L. Chapin, pastor, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Croghan.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Folk Group, c/o St. Stephen’s Church, Croghan, NY 13327.
Comments
I have fond memories of “Uncle Tommy”, my Mom, Pat’s brother. I will remember most his infectious and robust laugh!
Anne Carrozza (niece)
Very nice, thank you.
Paul
(nephew)
Goodbye to a funny and warmhearted godfather and Uncle. I’ll miss our talks, Uncle Tom!
Love, Lisa
I worked with Tom at Climax. I was unable to pay my respects due to my schedule with times available. However I wanted to extend my sympathy to the family. Tom was a very quiet and kind man. As you know he loved to read and we used to compare reading materials. I know that he will always be in my good fun filled memories. Emily Blaschke
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