Our Obituaries

Thomas Steven Earley passed away after a short, courageous battle with cancer on February 5, 2017 at home, with his family by his side. He was 69. Tom was born March 29, 1947 in Morristown, NJ, the son of the late Matthew and Louise Earley. He was married to his beloved wife, Anne Sweeney Earley for forty years. He proudly served his country in the United States Army’s 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Force, as a Specialist Four during the Vietnam War. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device for heroism in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: He distinguished himself on February 7, 1968 while participating in a heliborne rescue mission for the overrun and besieged Special Forces camp at Lang Vei. His personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect the great credit upon himself, the Special Forces, and the United States Army. On discharge from the Army, he began his 35 year career as a district manager for Suburban Propane. After retirement he worked a year at Eastern Propane. Tom was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Port Jervis, NY for 40 years. He was also a member of the Roosa Fleming VFW Post 161, Port Jervis. He was the co-founder of the AAU Basketball League in the Tri-State Area, a member of the High Point Country Club Golf League, The Howard Wheat Auxiliary, and the Packard Club. Upon his retirement, he was an avid antique car enthusiast with a love for his 1940 Packard Club Sedan. He regularly entered and attended Cruising PJ and other car shows. In his spare time, he refurbished antiques, specializing in old trunks. Most of all he was an enthusiastic cheerleader for his children’s activities. He was a beloved husband, father and Papa. He touched the lives of all his family and friends and his love will remain with us always. His loving smile, kindness and strength will be greatly missed. Tom is survived by his loving wife Anne, his daughter Colleen Earley Cyrek and husband Adam of Shohola, PA, his son Matthew Earley of Virginia Beach, VA, and daughter Christine Earley Buda and husband Jordan of Sparrowbush, NY. He is also survived by his twin brother Matthew Earley and wife Susan of Allenwood, NJ and sister Ellen McCollum and husband Richard of Providence, RI. Tom is also survived by his brother-in-law Joseph Sweeney and wife Karen of Matamoras, PA and sister-in-law Tee Velasco and partner Howard Glantz of Saratoga Springs, NY. He is also survived by his precious grandsons, Brennan and Connor Cyrek and Cameron Buda. Tom is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held 3-7 PM Thursday, February 9th at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. Prayers will be offered 10:15 AM Friday, February 10th at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church, Port Jervis. Rev. Matthew Newcomb will be the celebrant. Interment will follow with military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery, Port Jervis. The Earley family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Dinsmore, Dr. Eanelli and staff. Also, the staff of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. (West Team), especially Margaret & Susanna, for their professional and compassionate care shown to Tom. Memorial Contributions in Tom’s name may be made to the Roosa Fleming V.F.W. Post 161, 47-51 Owen Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771 and Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc., 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550. Arrangements are by the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knightauchmoody.com.