Edwin "Tom" Dugan

Edwin Thomas "Tom" Dugan, of Camillus, passed away on Saturday at The Centers at St. Camillus after a long illness. He was 87 years old. "Big Daddy" was born on November 20, 1928 in East Orange, NJ. Tom also resided in Baltimore, MD and Greendale, WI before moving to Camillus in 1967.  He served in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division.  He received a bachelor's degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania where he was also a member of the DKE Fraternity. He worked for The Prudential Insurance Company for thirty years and remained in the business for many years. Tom was a true patriot and had a passion for politics on the local and national level. He held many offices, including the chairman of the Camillus Republican Club and was also the committee chairman. He became councilman for the 6th Ward of Camillus, an office he held for many years. He was also a member of the Camillus Elks, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and American Legion Post 1540. Tom was a founding father of the Camillus Chamber of Commerce. He was an active communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Camillus. Tom was also passionate about sports, particularly West Genesee football and lacrosse, Florida State football, and Syracuse lacrosse. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. In the summer, he enjoyed weekends at his cottage on Moon Lake, attending the sing-song, listening and singing to old time piano music with friends on the River. He was a kind, loving, giving person…a true gentleman. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Camillus for their compassionate care, especially the third floor nursing staff, along with the recreation staff and residents. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin T. Sr. and Mary Ruth Dugan; and his younger brother, Gene. Surviving are his beloved wife of 65 years, Dolores "Dosie", who gave love and devoted care during his illness; six children, Tom (Laura) Dugan of Egg Harbor Twp., NJ, Debbie (Mark) Cross of the Florida Keys, Mary Ellen (Rob) Steele of Tully, Betsy (Bill) Markey of Simpsonville, SC, Bob (Becky) Dugan of Nashville, TN, and David (Eileen) Dugan of Baldwinsville; 15 grandchildren, Kelly and Tommy Dugan, Neil and Jessica Cross, Danny Goodbread, Alison, Adrienne and Billy Markey, Madeleine, John, Sam and Mary Charlotte Dugan, Sarah, Jimmy and Emma Dugan; three great-grandchildren, Ashton and Amelia Held and Joey Gallo; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Wednesday, January 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, January 21 at St. Joseph's Church, Camillus. Tom will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners. Contributions may be made to The Centers at St. Camillus, 813 Fay Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219 or to the Alzheimer's Association of CNY, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204.