Thomas J. McInerney Sr., 74, of Ulster Park

ULSTER PARK » Thomas J. McInerney Sr., 74, of Ulster Park died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at Ekstein Hospice Center in Scottsdale, Ariz., surrounded by loving family and life-long friends.

Born on Flag Day, June 14, 1943, in Astoria, N.Y., he was the son of Joseph D. McInerney and Gertrude Bracht McInerney. After graduating Island Trees High School in Levittown, N.Y., where he was an accomplished wrestler, Tom proudly served his country in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine.

Upon his return from military service, Tom began his career as a life insurance agent. A consummate professional, Tom earned his Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College. Always dedicated to advancing professionalism in his industry, he founded the Ulster County Association of Life Underwriters, and later became the president of the New York State Association. Tom was active and influential in state and national life insurance legislative affairs, and was sought after as an expert speaker on advanced planning topics. He was a proud life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a status attained by only the top two percent of life insurance professionals worldwide.

For all of his life, Tom was actively and passionately involved in the greater Kingston community. He served organizations including the Woodstock Jaycees, Toastmasters, YMCA, Town of Esopus Library, Ulster County Chamber of Commerce, Kingston Kiwanis, Ulster-Green ARC, the Rosendale Republican Club, and the Marine Corps League. Tom volunteered as a Boy Scout leader, Little League coach, and was a high school wrestling official. Always an active member of the Catholic Church, he served on many committees, was a eucharistic minister, a lector, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

An avid traveler, Tom visited 49 of the 50 states and over 30 countries. One of his proudest accomplishments came when he moved his family and business to Germany. This move enabled Tom to share much of Europe and its history with his young family. Tom enjoyed reading, fishing, theater productions, and Army football. A life-long Yankee fan, he enjoyed recounting the time he sat on the bench with the 1956 Yankees. It is probable, but not certain, that Tom lived long enough to forgive George Steinbrenner. He will be remembered by all for his great sense of humor and his love of a good practical joke.

Tom is survived by his first wife, Barbara (Einterz) with whom he recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary; his three sons, Joseph and his wife Karri (Hoffmann), grandchildren Kristen, Patrick and Meagan; Thomas Jr. and his wife Lisa (Pangburn), grandchildren Hailey, Riley, Molly, Michael, Matthew, and Thomas III, great-grandchildren, Chloe and Burton; and John and wife Dawn (Copeland), grandchildren Jameson and Jordan; his siblings, Kathy Cannon (Robert), Trudy McInerney, Joseph (Margie Triffo); many nieces and nephews, and his cousins, whom he loved dearly.

A funeral mass will be held in Arizona.

At a later date, a memorial mass will be held in the Kingston area. Notification to follow.