F. Thomas Atkins, 84, of Stone Ridge

STONE RIDGE » F. Thomas Atkins died peacefully at his home in Stone Ridge, N.Y., surrounded by his family, on April 13, 2018.

Tom was born on March 30, 1934, in New Milford, Conn. He was the eldest child born to the late Frederick and Caroline Sichler Atkins. He grew up on the family estate in Middletown, Conn., and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952.

Over 64 years ago, Tom met the love of his life, Gloria Bartlett, at Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton, Conn. Last year, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Tom, Gloria and their children have been fortunate to have spent every summer on the lake where they met.

Tom graduated in 1957 from the University of Connecticut, where he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa and Alpha Zeta fraternities. He went on to become a 4-H agent with Cornell Cooperative Extension, first in Riverhead, Long Island, then in Ulster County. At the time of his retirement in 1989, he was acting coordinator. Some of his many 4-H duties included hosting a Saturday morning radio show, running the 4-H Summer Camp, judging poultry, teaching bike safety courses, and organizing many events at the Ulster County Fair.

As a sports fan, Tom loved golf, Ping-Pong, the Yankees, the Giants, and especially UConn basketball (men’s and women’s). He and Gloria enjoyed many years of dancing at Williams Lake, and his card-playing skills were unmatched.

A member of the United Methodist Church in Stone Ridge, Tom was a former Sunday School superintendent and was on numerous committees throughout the years, most recently as chairperson of the Administrative Council. He was a constant friend to the community and his sense of humor was legendary.

Tom is survived by his wife, Gloria Bartlett Atkins; and children, Pam Atkins and her husband, Frank Barr, of Elizaville, N.Y.; Bill Atkins and his wife, Lori, of Colchester, Conn.; Kurt Atkins of South Glens Falls, N.Y.; and Eric Atkins and his wife, Jennifer, of Stone Ridge, N.Y.; and grandchildren, Trevor, Kiersten, Josh and Adrienne Barr, Lindsay and Thomas Atkins, Adam Wagner, and Jacklynn and Kurt Atkins. Also surviving are his brothers, Richard, Harley, and Barry; sister, Valerie; and five greatgrandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family of Tom would like to thank their friends and families for their prayers and help. We would also like to thank the amazing staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering and Kingston Hospital.

Calling hours will be Friday, April 27, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. and the funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, at 11 a.m. Both will be held at the United Methodist Church, 25 Schoonmaker Lane, Stone Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Church. (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)