THOMAS A. WADNOLA

Thomas A. Wadnola, 75, passed away suddenly on Tuesday October 18, 2022 at HealthAlliance Hospital Broadway Campus while dealing with some medical issues. He was surrounded by the loving care of his devoted family. He kept his dignity and determination and sense of humor up until the end, always trying to make those around him know, he was “okay” and will “be fine”. Tom was born in 1946 in Kingston, New York to the late Frederick C. and Margaret (Welch) Wadnola. In 1961, he completed the requirements that certified him as an “Eagle Scout” by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. At the time he was the youngest person to ever receive this honor from the Boy Scouts. In 1965, Tom graduated from “Our Lady of Lourdes High School” in Poughkeepsie, New York. In June of 1967, he joined the United States Air Force, and did two tours in the Vietnam War earning him the rank of Staff Sergeant. In February 1971 he had and Honorable Discharge from the Air Force. Upon leaving the military service he worked for Conners Electric, Ulster County Water/Sewer, finally ending his employment with IBM as a computer programer. Tom graduated from the State University of New York, in 1986 with a bachelors degree of Professional Studies.

He was a self-accomplished, motivated and interesting person. He had “a heart of gold”, would help anyone in need. He was a loving and devoted husband to Donna McGinnis whom he married on September 19, 1971. They had fifty-one years together at the time of his passing. Following his departure from IBM into retirement, he volunteered with numerous local organizations. He taught seniors at Ulster Community College Computer Applications. He was an advocate for the Boy Scouts of America and a collector of memorabilia. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1748. He enjoyed woodcarving and crafts. He loved to travel, making many trips to South America to help those in need. He dug ditches for clean water piping and ran electrical lines for electricity to villages in need. He would also provide many of the children with computers and games. He received numerous awards for his volunteer work in South America. Tom is survived by his wife Donna (McGinnis) Wadnola; his children Stephanie Wadnola and Thomas Wadnola; his grandchildren, Alexiah Wadnola and Diaunte Wadnola; his great-grandchild Jenesis Crooks; his brother Frederick J. Wadnola and his wife Cynthia, his sister Judy Lukaszweski and her husband Ray; his sisters in law and brothers in law; Kathy and Mickey Bush, Patty and Bob Benson, also many nieces and nephews survive. Tom’s family have requested that masks be worn during visitation at the funeral home and at Mass the following day. We want to express our sincere gratitude for all the kindness to everyone that has shown Tom in his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family would like a donation in Tom’s honor to: American Legion Post 1748, P.O. Box 163, Lake Katrine, NY 12449. Funeral and cremation arrangements are under the guidance of the Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, Inc. 27 Smith Avenue, Kingston. www.jvleahyfh.com The Wadnola family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday October 24th from 4 PM to 7 PM. A funeral procession will form Tuesday 10 AM at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM at Saint Mary’s Church. Final prayers and military honors will be offered at the Wiltwyck Community Mausoleum Complex.