Thomas Paul Dildine

Thomas Paul Dildine, 66, of Hermon and formerly of Canton, died unexpectedly at home on Sunday, July 5th, after living with respiratory illness for several years.

Thomas grew up in Romulus, New York, with his parents, Paul and Marcia Dildine. He enjoyed crafting with his mother and playing cards and dice games with family. He fondly recalled spending childhood summers camping in the Adirondacks with his parents, and always loved wildlife and being in nature. He was also always fascinated by technology, helping convince his high school to purchase their first computer. Some of his other lifelong interests included the Peanuts cartoons, Star Trek, and the Beatles.

He received an Associate of Science degree in Drafting from Alfred State University, where he was a leading member of the photography and outing clubs. In his college years, Tom became an EMT, and continued that work for many years, working for both professional and volunteer organizations. He was a certified scuba diver and participated in volunteer projects to retrieve sunken objects from the Finger Lakes.

Tom moved to the North Country in the early 1990s and eventually settled into a role at the St. Lawrence University Library, where he worked for over 20 years.

In recent years, Tom was an active member of the Hermon United Methodist Church, where he was often complimented on his distinctive bass voice. He loved to sing and was part of church choirs for most of his life. He was a member of Noteworthy Handbell Choir for several years, where he deepened his love for music performance.

Though his travel was limited by disability, he was an active member of the nomad community, participating in regular virtual gatherings and volunteering for the Homes on Wheels Alliance.

Tom is survived by a daughter Kimberly and half-brother, Steven Bennett, as well as his dog and closest companion, Sunny.

A memorial service for Tom is being planned and will be announced when finalized.

Memories and condolences may be shared with Tom’s family by visiting his memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Thomas Paul Dildine are under the care of the O’Leary Funeral Service of Canton.