Thomas S. Grier

Thomas S. Grier, 85, of Camillus, went home to The Lord on Wednesday, February 12, 2014, after a short illness. He was born in Akron, Ohio on May 19, 1928. While growing up, his family lived in various locations across the U.S., finally settling in Central New York in 1943. He attended Marcellus High School and honorably served two tours in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1949 and 1951 to 1952. Thomas married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Kasson, in 1949 and was predeceased by her in 1995. He attended Syracuse University and worked for Western Electric, retiring in 1983 as an electronics technician after 30 years of service. During his retirement, he worked several years for VNA. Tom enjoyed gardening and watching and feeding the birds. An avid SU fan, he also enjoyed reading, building and restoration projects and spending time with his family. Surviving are his wife of 14 years, the former Betty "Sue" Marris; son, Thomas (Lorraine DiBello) Grier of Clay; daughters, Leigh (Mark) Pooley of Lakeport, and Lori (Ed) Rooke and Jacqueline (Bill) Burke, both of Camillus; sister, Patricia Downing of Florida; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Friday, February 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 15 at 9 a.m. in Holy Family Church. Spring burial will be in Howlett Hill Cemetery, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Tom's memory to Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Dr., Syracuse, NY 13219.