Thomas E. Barron Jr., 71, of Catskill

Thomas E. Barron Jr., 71, of Catskill, N.Y., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 25, 2016.

Born in Catskill to Thomas and Evelyn Barron, he resided in Greene and Columbia counties his entire life. Tom attended Catskill High School and was a member of the first graduating class of Ulster County Community College. He served in the Army National Guard, was trained in riot control, and was an expert marksman.

An avid lover of photography, Tom worked at the Albany Times Union as a photo engraver and continued to work at The Daily Mail as an advertising executive and contributing photographer. It was then that he found his love of antiques.

In 1976, Tom began his antique business Uncle Sam Antiques in Catskill. After having several locations there, he moved to Warren Street in Hudson and was one of the first of four antique dealers there that made Warren Street the antique mecca that it is today. Tom had an amazing eye for antiques, built an impressive business among the antiques community and made many lifelong friends along the way.

Despite never truly admitting it, Tom was a big animal lover and spoiled his three cats rotten, as well as any other animal that crossed his path. He was generous, kind, and a loving father. His humor, sarcasm, and big personality will be the source of many funny stories and fond memories.

A graveside service will be held Nov. 1, 2016, at 9:30 a.m. at the Catskill Town Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Animal Kind in Hudson, N.Y.