Thomas Patrick Culkin

Thomas Patrick Culkin, 87, of Syracuse, passed away Monday, October 8, 2012 at VA Medical Center, after a long courageous battle with cancer. A Valentine's Day baby, he was born on Saturday, February 14, 1925 and was raised in Syracuse by his parents, Michael F. Culkin and Margaret Dehm Culkin. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School. Tom served as a gunner's mate with the Navy from 1942 until 1951 aboard various ships including, the USS Patuxent, USS Munda, USS Rochester, USS Taconic and the USS Albany. He retired from the Syracuse branch of Instant Whip Co. as a truck driver salesman. Not one to sit around in his retirement, he drove taxis for the Syracuse Airport Metroplex for many years. He loved driving and would go "anywhere, anytime" a customer needed. A devoted husband and father, Tom enjoyed many activities during retirement, including gardening, casino trips and Yankee baseball. An avid reader, he would often read three to four books per week. He was a communicant of Holy Family Church. Tom was predeceased by his brothers, John and Michael; and sisters, Ruth and Charlotte. Surviving are his loving wife of 57 years, the former Mary Elizabeth Stoyan; sons and daughter-in-law, Michael Culkin and Daniel and Marilyn Culkin, all of Syracuse; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Albert Bersani also of Syracuse; sister-in-law, Marge Zimmer of Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the entire staff at the VA Medical Center for their professionalism, and caring support over the years. In particular, Oncology, Infusion and the 8th floor Hospice team, whose council and guidance made all the difference during a difficult time. Relatives and friends may call Thursday, October 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Services will be 9:15 a.m. Friday, October 12 at the funeral home and 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated. Tom will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 6725 Lyons St., P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057.