Thomas Walter "Tom" Lascell

Thomas Walter Lascell died at home on April 1, 2025. He was born September 26, 1946, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to Paul Derr Lascell and Wilma Elizabeth Brightly Lascell. At the time, his father served as an Associate Director of Finance for the Boy Scouts of America in New York City, while his mother was a fifth grade school teacher in Cape May Courthouse, NJ.

Tom attended high school in Mayville, NY, where he lettered in football and basketball and served as Senior Class President. He was also an Eagle Scout, participating in scouting leadership summer camps in New Mexico, Colorado and on St. John's. Tom initially attended Geneseo State College, but earned his degree from Fredonia State College. He later earned a Master's degree from SUNY Binghamton and attended Cornell University's executive training program in Human Resources.

Tom was a co-founder, president, and former board member of the State University of New York Human Resources Association. He was also Emeritus Director of Human Resources at SUNY Canton, serving there from 1985-2002, and before that, served as Director of Human Resources at Mohawk Valley Community College for six years.

From 1966 to 1969, Tom served in the Peace Corps outside Pondicherry (now Puducherry), India, where he taught villagers about food production and modern poultry and egg farming. After his service in India, Tom traveled overland to England, using local buses, trains, ferries, and his own two feet. His journey took him through India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey before he sailed by freighter, sleeping on deck in the coils of rope, through the Mediterranean to the Balearic Islands. He spent time on Ibiza and Mallorca before continuing to London. Throughout his travels, Tom documented his experiences with his 35mm Nikon camera, often capturing images of the less fortunate.

Tom entered the U.S. Army in 1969. After training as a forward scout for duty in Vietnam, a twist of fate saw him serve in Schweinfurt, Germany, where his ability to type made him a highly prized adjutant to the Colonel. It was in the Army that he developed a professional interest in Human Resources and Personnel Management.

Tom was married to Pamela J. Keefe from 1969 to 1984, a union that produced his two sons, Ian and Joshua.

After retiring early, Tom spent much of his time paddling in the Adirondacks, Ontario, Maine, South Carolina, Florida, and Minnesota. He was also an accomplished fly fisherman, most frequently plying his skills in the classic trout streams of the Catskills and Adirondacks. In retirement, Tom developed an interest in hand paper making, book arts and historic photographic processes. He followed the local hockey teams and was very involved with North Country Tai Chi in his beloved Canton, NY.

Tom was rarely seen without his signature burl pipe, tweed jacket, and a crime novel. He was a quiet but generous supporter of environmental causes with a special love for the Adirondacks. Seemingly no man on earth knew more knots and how to tie them than Tom.

Tom is survived by his brother, Peter L. Lascell of Forest, VA; his sons, Ian C. Lascell (Wendy A. Lascell) of Oneonta, NY and Joshua A. Lascell (Isabella W. Martin, MD) of Meriden, NH; and his two grandsons, Ezra and Malcolm.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory could consider North Country Tai Chi, or the Sierra Club.

There will be a calling hours for Tom on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 3:00 pm until 4:00 pm at the O'Leary Funeral Home, Canton. There will be a Time for Sharing of Memories and Stories beginning at 4:00 pm.

Memories and condolences may be shared on Tom's memorial page at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Thomas W. Lascell are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.