Thomas F. Passino, 74, of Wilmington Island, Georgia, formerly of Watertown, passed away on January 1, 2017.
Born October 26, 1942 at Ft. Devens, MA, he was the son of Lois and Frederick Passino. He received his master’s degree from Potsdam State University and another in urban geography from Rutgers University. Tom taught at Indian River High School and Middle School for 32 years, 24 of which he served as President of the Indian River Education Association. He was passionate in protecting teachers’ rights and devoted to improving working conditions, benefits and classroom conditions, with the ultimate goal of improving overall education for students. He was an avid auto enthusiast and loved his cars. He also loved history and enjoyed traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his son Paul (Felicia), Adams NY and grandsons Blake, Logan and Wyatt. He is also survived by his sister Michelle Meagher, Black River, two daughters, Robin Harwood and Jackie Ward, Watertown NY and grandchildren Jenna King, Kristopher Cooley, Adam Ward and Brittany Ward and 7 great grandchildren.
A service will be held in Potsdam, New York.
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Donna Sievers
Paul, Felicia and boys,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your extended family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Donna Sievers
Vickie Rice
Mr. Passino was my teacher in Indian River back in the day. I am so sorry to hear this news and my prayers go out to his wife and family. R.I.P
Sandra Haight
Paul, So sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. He was one great man. You are a lot like him. God bless you.
Sandra Haight
Paul, so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. He was one great man as are you. God bless.
Greg Plantz
Barb,
Tammy and I are so sorry for your loss. There are many fond memories, especially the early years, with Tom at I.R.
Deborah L Papin
My deepest sympathy to Barb and the family. Tom was my 7th grade SS teacher and then my colleague at IRC. He and Barb encouraged me to join Executive Council , and I enjoyed working with them for several years before they retired. Because of them, I am still on the Council and very active in Union affairs. Tom had a true influence on the IRC district, its employees, and thousands of students.
Marshall Kinne
My condolences to the Passino family. I retired from teaching two years ago and had the pleasure of knowing Tom and working with him on Union issues. He was very passionate in his successful efforts in making the teaching profession in Northern NY the respected institution it remains to this day.
Cheryl A Shatraw
I am so sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. My thoughts go out to Barb and the rest of the family.
Ted and Linda Thomas
Paul, Ted and I are sorry for you loss. I remember your Dad teaching school at IRC.
May peace be with you and your family.
Dick Lalonde
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. You are in our thoughts.
Dick(BUBBA) &Donna LaLonde
Jeff keruski
My thoughts and prayers are with your family! Many blessings to you all! Tom was truly a champion for educators!
Lisa Wilson
Paul, Felicia, and boys: We are truly sorry for your loss. Our family will continue to pray for you and we are here if you need anything. We love your family! Big hugs sent your way!
Joe & Terri Misner and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Paul & Felicia at this time of loss. We hope for sustained strength and peace to each member of your family at this difficult time.
Helen Markham Timerman
Dear Barb, I am so sorry to hear the news of Tom’s passing. I very much respected and liked his tenacity and leadership, as a young teacher at Indian River. His advice and perspective were invaluable to me! Please know I will keep you all in prayer! ~ Helen
Chris Palmer
Sorry to hear about Mr. Passino passing. I didn’t know his but Tom was a lot of fun in school. Movie’s and arm wrestling. Was a cool guy will always have fond memories. Chris Palmer
Lynn Hunneyman
Barb and Family,
Tom fought hard for teacher rights for many years. He will be remembered not only by Indian River teachers but by all who knew him at the regional and state levels of teacher unions. Even though Tom and I didn’t always agree we continued to be friends over the years. Tom will be missed by me and all who knew him.
Lynn Hunneyman
Carol Frost
Barb and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. One cannot think of IRCS or IREA without thinking of Tom. His leadership was inspirational. We talked often in the hospitality room of NYSUT conferences. Sending much love.
NANCY H LANDAS
Barb and family, these condolences come with immense gratitude for the many sacrifices made to insure teachers rights. Tom is way too young and deserved to continue enjoying his retirement. So bright and always driven to achieve Tom will be remembered by many.
Barbara (Countryman) Trahan
So sorry for the family’s loss… Mr.Passino was the first Social Studies teacher I had when I entered high school at Indian River (’73-’74)…RIP Mr.P ?
Michael J. March
Barb and family, so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing, he was a wonderful person and a great teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Tom was a great guy and I enjoyed having him for a history teacher, he will be missed by many. You all are in my thoughts !!!
Cindy
So sorry to hear of Mr. Passino’s passing he was my Social Studies teacher years ago. Prayers to the family!
Diana (King) Woodward - former 1969-1970 business student of yours
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Keep your memories close and hopefully they will get you through this difficult time.
John Purcell
He was my first social studies teacher at ircs…good guy and the reason i know all the early explorers of the world! ! Rest in peace mr.p. …
Walt Young
To Barb and the Passino family, so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a kind hearted man who I had the pleasure of knowing through his dealings with FX Caprara. It was always a pleasurable experience to sell Tom and Barb a car. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Tim Virkler
Paul,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your father. You and your are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Patricia Fabrizio
Barb,
Sending love and prayers to you and family at this time of loss. Tom gave tirelessly to all members of the Indian River community for many years. His loss will be felt by all.
Woody
Tom’s influence on the IREA and IRCSD will be his legacy for many more years ahead. His passion for unions was immense, his friendship was hard earned and respected. His character and ability to be “a character” will always be in my memory. RIP Tom; and peace to Barb and the entire family.
Woody Lyndaker
Jennifer (Davis) Hunt
Barb, I am so very sorry for your loss. You both hold a special place in my heart and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Sheryl Haller
Barb, Paul and Family,
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing….way to young! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Matthew Meagher
Barb, Paul, Felicia, Black, Logan, Wyatt, Robin & Jackie
I am sorry for Tommy’s passing. My you accepted my families condolences. Take peace in knowing he is with Grandma.
With Love,
Matt, Sarah and Kids,
Michael and Michelle
Bob Kuba
Barb & Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I appreciate all the time and effort he put into the IREA. He will be missed.
Rob Premo
Barb, Paul and family
So sorry to here of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Mary and Jeff Perrine
Paul and Felicia,
So sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your dad from the Y. Our prayers are with you.
Tracy (Morse) Linton
He was a great teacher and enjoyed being in his class. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Terry and Allen Drake
Our sincere sympathies, Barb, on Tom’s passing. We are south and were so shocked when we read it on Newzjunky. We were so very fortunate to have had Tom as our leader at IR for so many years. He certainly gave us 110%. May the memories you shared bring you and the family strength on this day and in the days ahead. God bless you all.
Debbie Reddick
Barb-
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He will be remembered for his tireless efforts to make sure teachers at IRCSD were protected. Sending hugs and prayers your way as I know how much you two loved each other!❤ Debbie and Ron Reddick
Toni Zygadlo
I have many memories of Tom at Indian River…..especially his laughter. My husband, Henry, who was superintendent of schools for many years, said that Tom was always a “worthy advocate” in his role as union president. He had great respect for the dedication Tom had in representing the faculty at IR.
Sandra (Bushek) Warner
Very sorry to hear of Mr P’s passing. I have such fond memories of him as my 7th grade SS teacher. Prayers to all of his family.
Kathy Mitchell (Pond)
Dear Barb and Family, I am so sorry for your loss…Tom was an unforgetable guy….His booming voice and hearty laugh will always be remembered…He was a fun filled gentleman…You two made a wonderful couple…The wonderful memories you two created will continue to warm your heart….You are in my prayers….
John Krake
Paul and family, I am sorry to hear that Tom has passed. I remember that he was passionate about the teacher’s union issues and also about cars as he gave me a memorable ride one day during my lunch break from work when he wanted to show me what his new sporty VW would do!
My sympathies to the family.
Peter and Joan Dougall
Barb and Family,
It is with great sorrow that we learned of Tom’s passing. He was a special friend who played a important role in both of our teaching careers. The service that Tom and Barb gave to the Indian River Education Association was amazing. Their efforts will long be remembered by the teachers at Indian River. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Rick Rollo
Barb and family,
I’m sorry to hear about Tom. There were always some belly laughs when we got together. He was passionate about the union and helped a lot of people. Thank God he was on our side. Prayers and love.
Rick Rollo
Troy and Tami (Booth) Hull
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you Barb ,Tom and family. R.I.P. Mr. P. He was my teacher as well at IRCSD.
Kathryn Kelly Kavanaugh
Please accept my prayers and sympathy for Mr. Passino. I loved him as my history teacher, and his humor during homeroom. We were all nervous starting HS, and he made it easy. I hope he is discussing exploring with Ferninand Marcos & many others from history in heaven.
Dorrie (Smith) Young
Barb, Paul and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He answered so many questions for me as IREA president. I truly appreciated him.
Tony Crupi
Barb and Paul, I am so very sorry for your loss. May the love and support of family and friends bring you some comfort in this very difficult time. I retain many fond memories of my friend Tom, and will carry them close to my heart always.
Thinking of you with a heavy heart, Tony
Tim Schell
Barb and family,
I am very sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be a student in Tom’s class at Indian River and later to count him as a colleague. He was a good man with a great sense of humor and fine intelligence. Tom’s tireless work on behalf of the union and commitment to a teacher voice in schools made a tremendous difference and he helped so many. He was truly a Warrior.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Casey Spicer
Barb,
I was so sorry to hear about Tom. I think about the two of you often. Tom certainly was a great professional friend to me and certainly the two of you were great assets to Indian River. I just hope people appreciate all that the two of you did for the teachers and students of Indian River. I know I am grateful. You both set such high standards of commitment and success that we all were so fortunate to have you as our leaders, mentors and most of all, friends.
Regards
Casey Spicer
Ellen Glenn Childs
I was so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Tom team taught with my dad, Jim Glenn, for many years, and Barbara and Tom were much valued family friends. Deepest sympathy goes out to Barbara, and to Michelle, Tom’s sister.
Dr. Arthur Pitz,
Tom and I were close friends in jr and Sr high in Potsdam. We enjoyed our time together. He was an ethical guy and we sure liked to discuss history.
We moved to Illinois going into my sr year as Dad took a very good job offer. We lost touch with each other.
I pray comfort for his family and friends.
Arthur Pitz, Ph.D. (History) retired and living with Suzanne, my wife of 51+ years by family request in Elmhurst, IL