Obituary of Thomas H. VanDresar, Jr.
Thomas H. “Tater” VanDresar, Jr., 55, of Blossvale, decided to begin his afterlife journey much earlier than planned. He left his home in the morning hours of Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
Tommy was born in Rome, NY, on December 8, 1967, to his parents, Thomas H. VanDresar, Sr., and Carrol Prosser. He attended schools in Rome, VVS, and graduated in 1986 in Danbury, CT, with the love and support of his guidance counselor and “2nd Mother,” Glenda Armstrong.
Tommy pursued a career in carpentry and became a master carpenter; working at various companies in CT, most notably Architectural Arts. Upon his return to the Rome area, he eventually ran his own successful business, T-N-T Contracting.
He loved spending time with his family. In his down time, he enjoyed creating projects in his woodshop, playing pool, and riding his Harley.
Tom is survived by his wife, Amy (Armstrong) VanDresar, whom he shared twenty-two years of adventures, laughs, and love with; his children, Thomas (Shelby) VanDresar, III, of Watertown, CT, Jaqueline (Chea) VanDresar Ardeneaux, of Athens, GA; his siblings, Tracy Casler, Erica VanDresar both of Rome, Tim (Mary) VanDresar, of Blossvale, and Mark VanDresar of Rome; his step-brothers, Mike (Darlena) Widrig, of Taberg, and Brian (Judy) Widrig, of Blossvale; his step-sisters, Amanda (Ed) Donovan and Noelle Dupont, both of Cocoa Beach, FL; his very special mother-in-law, Louella Mezza, of Rome; his brothers-in-law, Craig Armstrong, of Richmond, VA, and Jason Mezza, of Rome; many very special nieces and nephews; so many solid friends and “brothers”; the mother of his children, Melinda (Eric) Kaysar, of Watertown, CT; and his beloved cat, Maude. Tom was predeceased by his mother, Carol (Paul) Widrig; his father, Thomas (Marie) VanDresar; and his step-brother, Craig Widrig.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday at 4 PM, at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 2 to 4 PM, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rome Animal Shelter.