Mr. Thomas W. Flanders, 85, of Abeling Street, Canajoharie, NY, died at the Alpine Nursing and Rehab Center on Sunday, October 20th, 2024.

He was born on September 8, 1939, in Fort Plain, NY, the son of Bernard and Mabel Pulis Flanders.

In 1958, he graduated from Fort Plain High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a submarine operator. He also held positions as the former chief cryptologic technician in the technical branch of the US Navy. Part of his service was during the Vietnam War. After 20 years of service, he retired as Chief CTTC (SS). He worked as a toll collector on the NYS Thruway from 1980 until 2002 after his service.

Tom was a communicant of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, Fort Plain.

He belonged to the NCVA Naval Cryptological Veteran Association, the VFW, the American Legion, and the Fleet Reserve.

On December 1, 1962, at St. James Catholic Church in Fort Plain, NY, he married Louise A. Yacobucci.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Louise Flanders, Col (R.) Thomas Patrick Flanders and his wife Kelley, daughter Mary Louise Douglass and her husband Patrick, six grandchildren, 1st lt. Brett Flanders, Corporal Brock Flanders, Bryce Flanders, Ensign Drew Douglass, Reed Douglass, Will Douglass, and several cousins.

A mass of Christian burial will occur on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Hope, Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY, 13339. The family will receive friends and relatives from 4:00-7:00 PM on Friday, October 25th, 2024, at the chapel of Houghtaling and Hanley Funeral Home, 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. Burial will take place at Fort Plain Cemetery following the mass.

Memorial contributions in Tom's memory may be made to Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 119 Reid Street, Fort Plain, NY 13339, Tunnel of Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306, or the Fisher House, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Rockville, MD 20852.