Thomas J. Shumsky

November 25, 1959 - January 7, 2022

Thomas Jay Shumsky, of Livingston, New York passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2022 at the young age of 62. Born on November 25th, 1959 in Hudson, NY to Shirley I. (Dallas) Shumsky and the late Stephen S. Shumsky. Tom is survived by his mother, Shirley; partner, Terry Rivenburgh; daughter, Stephanie (Stewart) Shumsky-Hunt; son, Jeffrey (Shannon) Shumsky; grandchildren, Emily and Owen Shumsky and Zachary Hunt; brother, Timothy (Jennifer) Shumsky; friend and ex-wife, Janet Shumsky; along with several nieces and nephews. To some people, Tom was known as “Shumper” or “Happy” or just “Tommy”, it depends where and how you knew him, but his favorite nickname was “Papa” when his grandkids called out to him. When Tom stretched out his arms and called out, “come to Papa!”, the kids came running. He knew he was in trouble when he was called Thomas Jay. Tom graduated from Hudson High School in 1978 where he played football, ran track and was on the swim team (holding a high school swim record for many years). After high school, he attended Hudson Valley Community College and made a 35-year career driving cement truck for F.H. Stickles and Sons. Tom often made the comment that he put more miles backing up than most people drove forward. For 44 years, Tom served his community as a brave and dedicated volunteer firefighter. It all began in 1978 when he and a group of friends joined the Stottville Fire Company #2. Tom had worked his way from Lieutenant up to Captain until he moved to Livingston in 1984 and joined Livingston Pumper Company #1. Tom worked his way from Lieutenant and Captain, up to Car 3 (called 2nd Assistant Fire Chief, now) and later became a Fire Commissioner. In 2000, Tom joined the Greenport Fire Department - Becraft Pumper Company #2 where his tour of duty now ends. Tom worked his way up the ranks again to hold the position of 2nd Assistant Fire Chief. Tom was so proud to represent all the positions he held in the fire service and gave 100% to each one. Tom was involved with many other organizations to include Southern Columbia County Ambulance Squad (SCCAS), Bridgemen Drumline and Color Guard, Columbia County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, and as Town Councilman for the Town of Livingston. Tom liked to be busy! One of Tom’s favorite things was marching in a parade, whether carrying a drum or in the line of march, he didn’t care as long as he was in the parade (and not watching it). He had a knack for making the fire truck shine for the parade, there was never enough wax for the truck or Armour-All for the tires. He certainly liked things neat, straight and orderly. He thought there was nothing better than the sound of a Federal Q siren to get the blood pumping. Besides his sense of humor, one thing his family will sorely miss is his Cheshire cat smile. He just had a grin that went from ear to ear and you just knew he was up to something. That smile and the sparkle in his eye just meant trouble, or a whole lot of fun, or maybe a little mix of both. One quality Tom had was if he was in it, he was in it to win it. He put his all into everything no matter what he was planning or doing. He could be working a concrete job or planning out a fire drill; if he was gonna do it, it was gonna be done good, and right. Tom was the guy who made everything look like it was easy. Though Tom’s heart was huge for his family and community, it was not strong enough to keep him here on this earth. What a fight, we thought we had more time. May Tom rest in peace at home in the presence our Lord. You are so loved and so missed already. Visitation at the Bates & Anderson-Redmond & Keeler Funeral Home will be Friday January 14, from 4:00-8:00pm. A procession will form at the funeral home, Saturday January 15 between 9:45 and 10:00am, thence to Livingston Cemetery for funeral services. In lieu of flowers contributions in memory of Tommy are encouraged to be made to Becraft Fire Co. #2 257 County Rte. 14 Hudson, NY 12534