Thomas J. "Tom" Goettel Sr.'s Obituary
Thomas J. “Tom” Goettel, Sr., 83, of Cicero, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Crouse Hospital. He was born in Syracuse to the late Douglas and Louise (Klotz) Goettel and attended the North Syracuse School District. Tom was a truck driver for O’Brien Trucking for many years and was a life-long volunteer firefighter, volunteering for the Cicero Fire Dept. for 54 years. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and the VFW Auxiliary. When Tom wasn’t working or volunteering, he loved to bowl, golf, camp, and watch NASCAR racing.
In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Laureen in 2023; his granddaughter, Ashling Lillian O’Brien; and his brothers, Douglas and John “Jack” Goettel.
Tom is survived by his children, Thomas (Stacie) Goettel, Christine (Chris) Barber, Kenneth Goettel, Kimberly (Rich) O’Brien, and Cynthia (Brian) Phuntek; his 10 grandchildren; his 9 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Susan and Melissa; along with several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026 from 9:00 – 11:00 A.M. immediately followed by a funeral service in celebration of Tom’s life at 11:00 A.M. at the THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. Burial will follow in North Syracuse Cemetery.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the Cicero Fire Dept., 8377 Brewerton Rd. Cicero, NY 13039.
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