Condolence: Larry, Holly, Rachel and I were very sad to hear about Mr. Claus' passing.

I grew up next door to the Claus' and they were wonderful neighbors. I too got invited out to the Claus farm one winter day dressed in my Sunday's best, However I fell in to the animal _______ pit! I think one of those naughty kids at the farm that day suggested I step into it. Needless to say Mr. Claus never let me live that down! I think I was 5 years old at the time.

Mr. Claus was always gardening and I had to weed along the fence that separated our two yards. He often made the time pass more quickly as he would talk to me over the fence, sharing stories and joking. One morning I was cooking in the kitchen and my frying pan ingredients caught fire. I ran out into the yard yelling fire !fire!. Mr. Claus leapt over the fence like a super hero, ran into the house and grabbed that frying pan and took in out of the house. I am sure my mom was happy that I didn't burn the house down that day. I have so many fond memories, summer time eating popcorn and watching home movies in their backyard. Many Christmas Eve's spent in their family room with the roaring fire. Somehow it just made Christmas special and magical. Who doesn't want to be with a Claus at Christmas.

In 1991 my then 6 week old daughter Holly, my husband Larry and I moved to Del Mar California, San Diego County. My husband was starting a new job. All the Claus' were welcoming. It made such a big difference in my life. I was a new Mom in a new place far from where I had made my home in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were my second set of parents and we referred to them as Holly's California grandparents. We shared almost all the holidays with them enjoying the company of Cindy and George as well.

When we moved into our new permeant home Mr. Claus was working right along side my husband Larry putting together Holly's new play structure. We had three wonderful years in San Diego before moving back to Massachusetts. The Claus' were always sharing what to do and see in California. They were the best tour guides. They were generous in so many ways to my whole family. One day out on the golf course with Mr. Claus I just couldn't hit the ball . He said "just throw the ball" now that's my kinda golf game.

After we moved we visited Mr. Claus in his second home with our second daughter Rachel Irene . Although named after her great grandmother I secretly often thought of Irene Claus, a woman I admired in so many ways. Another great person to associate with my daughter. Many years have passed and Mr Claus and I always caught up through our holiday cards. It is truly the end of an era. I can honestly say I am better person for having known Mr. Claus. He will be missed.

Condolence: While we all will miss Tom terribly, he is finally at peace and with the love of his life, Irene, and their beloved Muffins. Tom was a wonderful man, husband, father, friend, neighbor and all around great person. His sense of humor and jokes were nonstop, but beneath all that was a loving man whose jokes meant he loved and cared for you deeply.
I met Tom when Cindy and I became friends in high school. He put up with all our antics throughout the years and made me feel like Daughter #2. After my family moved to NJ, for my graduation, Tom and Irene treated me to a wonderful and extravagant brunch at The Manor in West Orange NJ. It was there that Tom taught me to love ZipLock baggies, as he showed me how to sneak giant shrimp and dessert macaroons into those bags and then hide the goodies in my purse!! Sweet Tom, yes, he did that!!
I will also never forget how warm Tom and welcoming Tom was, when much later in life, my family and I were on vacation in California, and we stopped to visit with him. He'd never met my husband and daughter, but he embraced them warmly and openly. That meant so much to me.
Tom, we will miss you terribly, but the world was a better place with you, your smile, your jokes and your big heart.

Condolence: A hard working man, and a good example of what it means to be a good man, and a good neighbor. It is 38 years since I left Ferney St. In the woof and weave of my memories will always live Mr. Claus, with his engaging humor, and practical knowledge, which he shared generously with me. I’m very appreciative of his example of a life lived through hard work, faith, and overcoming life’s obstacles. He has left behind fond memories.

With sympathy, and warmest regards,

Mark E. Cacamis

Condolence: I'll always remember Tom's humor and his gentle manner. He doted on my son when we visited CA, walking him in the yard and over the bridge and buying him a railroad cap for the visit to the train yard. I'm comforted by the fact he is back with his beloved Irene and that he and my mom Judy can sit around and laugh together again.

Condolence: I have so many wonderful memories of Tom that I will always carry with me. I will miss him calling me "meat head" after his favorite show, All in the Family.

He and I spent a lot of weekends working on the house putting in a 40 foot wood bridge, brick patio, landscaping, etc. I never knew he did not like me "speed" driving until one weekend, coming back with a load of bricks, as I neared the freeway exit Tom calmly looked over at me and said "George, lower the flaps" as if I were flying a jet.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always making fun of Cindy and I. Try as I might, I could never equal his sense of humor.

I was never able to discuss my work with him until the last few years. My previous jobs he did not understand, but my working with Utility companies, now that he knew. We would discuss my various jobs. I finally felt like I had made my "father" proud. Yes, I thought of him as a father and always will.

We will miss you but never forget all the wonderful times.

Rest in Peace!

Love you, George

Condolence: Cindy and George I'm so sorry, we will all miss Uncle Tom
Alway the comedian, I will miss his wit.
Tom was dedicated to his family, his religion,his friends, his job and his trains. Right now they have a full table in heaven, as they did in the house in New Hyde Park. And Grandpa is there getting ready to say "Let's make a break Ag."

Condolence: What can I say about my Uncle Tom... everyone loved him. Whenever Aunt Irene and Uncle Tom visited during our childhood you knew it would always be a fun time. I remember one time when I was very little he took me to ride a horse. Not old enough to ride the horse myself he walked along with me. This is such a special memory. I remember his visit to New York after Aunt Irene died... he cried because he missed her so much. He was such a loving man. I am sure all of the Claus' are once again sitting at the table with Grandma and Grandpa like we did so many Sundays.
Uncle Tom may you rest in peace... love you and miss you!!!

Condolence: Dear Tom’s Family
I am sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. My deepest condolences to all of you. He was a special person and I feel very lucky to have met him. Thank you for sharing him with me. I enjoyed hearing about his train adventures. Hey! He still owes me a private ride in the train. I will remind him of this, when I see him in heaven!
With lots of love
Mary H

Condolence: Dear Cindy & George,
I'm so sorry your loss... I do unfortunately know the pain that comes from loosing a Dad.
I enjoyed reading your memorial, it was a beautiful tribute.
Uncle Tom was also my Godfather who I loved dearly. He and Aunt Irene always brought laughter to any room. Years ago, they would come over to Mom & Dad's house every Wednesday and Mickey our beautician would do the ladies hair. Uncle Tom called her the "Miracle worker". It was always a fun night.
I miss your Mom and will miss your Dad, they were truly amazing family.
You are in the thoughts and prayers, God bless... Love you 💔

Condolence: Cindy & George
Rob and I are very sorry for the loss of your father and wanted to send our deepest condolences. Losing a father
is not easy under any circumstance, We pray you will
have peace and strength in the days to come. Thank you
for sharing memories and continue to keep those part of
our many visits and phone conversations. God Bless
You and know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Love and Hugs
Jenaie & Rob