PALMYRA – Thomas J. Breed, 52, of Palmyra, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 7.
Tom is survived by his partner of 19 years, Billie Jo Wright; mother, Rosemary (Vern) DeRuyter of Palmyra; father, Lloyd (Joan) Breed of Hudson, Fla.; sister, Linda Breed of Palmyra; brother, Dennis Breed of Palmyra; step-brother Jamie Carter of Florida; Billie Jo’s son, Steven (Dara) Kapano of Arizona, and her grandson, Remi, who called Tom his “papa.” He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, and his beloved dogs, Chico, Corky, Chloe, Brutus, Princess, Mac, Molly, Taco, Loretta, Chica, and Doolitttle. He is predeceased by his brother, Terrance Breed and a step-brother, Jody Carter.
Tom – known as “Tommy” or “Frog” to family and friends – was employed by Barrington Residential, Inc. of Pittsford. He was a motorcycle and car enthusiast who was especially proud of his Harley-Davidson “knucklehead” and his black Caddy. Years ago he turned heads driving a 1965 Cadillac hearse that he converted for daily use. More recently, he and Billie Jo enjoyed spending time with their dogs cruising the Erie Canal aboard their 20-foot pontoon boat.
Tom loved holiday dinners and his mother’s cooking. He inherited her gift in the kitchen, and worked off and on as a cook at local restaurants. He was a laid-back soul who always enlivened family and social gatherings with his humor and infectious laugh. He loved NASCAR, music, and watching the birds in his canalside yard and at favorite spots, including the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.
Family and friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at the Robert L. Yost Funeral Home at 123 W. Main St. in Palmyra. A funeral service will follow calling at 3pm. A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 13 at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Palmyra. Donations in Tom’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Wayne County, 1475 County House Road, Lyons, NY 14489.