Obituary of Thomas Cruger

Thomas John Cruger, Jr. walked on with God Saturday, April 25, 2009. He waited long and with great optimism for the transplant organ that would save his life, and never lost hope, even in his final days. Born on October 24, 1953 in Poughkeepsie, NY to surviving Barbara J. and Thomas J. Cruger, Sr. of the Town of Poughkeepsie, he graduated from Roy C. Ketchum High School in 1971, and gained apprenticeship in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 215 (363) in Poughkeepsie in 1975 to start his 36-year career as an electrician. In 1979, he moved to California and joined IBEW Local 11, and became a Foreman at Lockheed Air Force Base. He was a meticulous and skilled wireman, who loved his work and took great pride in projects such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum renovation for the 1984 Olympics, the restoration of Lady Liberty's torch, unveiled July 4, 1986, and the Great Garage Conversion of 1994 to accommodate his growing brood. Already united in wry humor, Thomas made it official when he wed Teresa Eileen Kirkpatrick of the Town of Poughkeepsie on April 1, 1978 at St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church. The couple lived in Manhattan Beach, CA, Binghamton, NY, and ultimately settled in Saugus, CA, where they raised their four children: Cassondra "Casey Lacey", Autumn "The Face" Rose, Benjamin "Benjamoney" Thomas, and Chelsey "Chelsey Girl" Lynn. Called "Daddio" and "Papa Dukes" by Terrie and the kids, he was a man who believed the bond of a family is the most valuable in the world. He was a loving and dutiful father and husband who taught his children integrity and resourcefulness, and raised them on weekend trips to Venice and Marina Beach, July 4th barbecues, fishing trips, and Sunday paper comics. He loved his wife deeply, and celebrated their 31st year of devotion earlier this month. In 2000, he returned to Dutchess County with his family, where he took pride in his children's graduations and confirmations, but nothing made him as happy as becoming Granquistador at the birth of his grandson, Logan Patrick to his daughter Autumn, and son-inlaw John Shaughnessy of Millbrook. "Tommy Boy" to his big sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Rich Miller of LaGrangeville; his brother and sister-in-law, Michael "Mikey" and Melanie Cruger of Tivoli; and his sister Diane Chiavaroli who is predeceased, he was an animated story-teller and waffle-maker. He loved spending time with family at their camp in the Adirondacks, and pleasured in hobbies such as building snowshoes and treasure chests, making maple syrup, tending his vegetable garden, rebuilding computers, and compiling the most comprehensive survival kits imaginable. He was a loving son-in-law to Kirk and M.C. Kirkpatrick, and a friend and brother-in-law to Kay and Gino Pecchia, Jayne Kelly, Carolyn Kirkpatrick, Mickey Kirkpatrick, Bryan and Tracey Kirkpatrick, Amy and Henry Cibelli, and Jonni and Brian Nash. He was Uncle Tommy to 22 nieces and nephews, and 20 great nieces and nephews. He's met in Heaven by his grandparents, Irene Rowan and Charles Cruger Sr., his sister Diane; a great poker game with his Aunts Helen Rowan, Bink DuBois, Irene Zitz, Janet Cruger and Cook Peranteau; and a game of pine cone with his best dog, Luke. Calling hours will be held Wednesday April 29, 2009 from 5pm to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie New York 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday April 30, 2009 10am at St. Mary's Church Poughkeepsie New York. Donations may be made to Boston Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital Trust, 1 Autumn St. #731 Boston MA 02215.