Obituary of Thomas Edward Dwyer

Thomas Edward Dwyer, 79, passed away on March 13, 2017 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 5, 1937 in Rochester, New York to Edward Dennis Dwyer and Margaret Mary (Murphy) Dwyer. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1955. After high school, he attended John Carroll University where he studied History, was a "lifetime" member of the Thursday Night Study Club and completed the Reserve Officer Training Corps. Thomas enlisted in the US Army in 1960 as a Private (E-1) and was promoted to Private First Class (E-2) after completion of basic training. Following basic training he was accepted into Officer Candidate School (OCS) as a Sergeant (E-5) at Camp Smith, NY. In 1963 he joined the NYS National Guard as a 2nd Lieutenant and served for 8 years. He was honorably discharged in 1968, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Thomas joined his father and brother in the family business, Thomas and Dwyer Shoes. Along with the business, he enjoyed giving back to his community by serving on multiple community organizations. Highlights of his community service work include; Past President of the Batavia Area Jaycees, where he was awarded a JCI Senatorship and participated in the establishment of Genesee Community College, Chairman of the United Fund, served on the YMCA Board of Directors, Past President of the Batavia Library Board and St. Joseph's Home School Association, member and Past president of the Batavia Rotary Club where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Thomas loved and was most proud of his time as an active supporter of the Notre Dame Sports Boosters and Batavia Youth Football. Thomas was happily married to Janet Doris Dwyer for the past 55 years. Together they have supported and loved eight children. Thomas enjoyed playing tennis, golf and watching his children and grandchildren grow up. Thomas was a member of St. Joseph's church where he also was an usher and served on many Catholic Charities drives. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Margaret Dwyer, daughter-in-law; Tracey Dwyer; granddaughter, Molly Shannon Dwyer; niece, Anne Dwyer and nephew, Michael Dwyer. He is survived by his wife, Janet (George); his children, Dennis Dwyer, Colleen (Patrick) Donegan, Lisa (Todd) Lenhart, Susan (Christopher) Schukin, Margaret (Scott) Niedzwiecki, Kathleen Dwyer, Carolyn (Stephen) Babcock, Brian Dwyer, his brother, John (Jacquelyn) Dwyer; his grandchildren Sean, Meghan, Abygail, Tomasz, Matthew, Mark, Claudia, Elise, Nicholas, Zachary, Anna, Luke, Jordan, Michal, Connor; great-granddaughter Charlotte Mae; sisters-in-law, Julieanne George, Patricia (John Colagrande) Matla and Teresa George; and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Drs. Ramsdale, Rauh and Snyder, the staff at Wilmot Cancer Center/WCC 7, Laura and the VNA of WNY for their care during this time. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 303 East Main Street, Batavia. Burial, with full military honors, will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Tom's name to Notre Dame High School Foundation, 73 Union Street, Batavia, New York 14020 or to the Michael Napoleone Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 267, Batavia, New York 14021.