ONEONTA - Thomas E. DeCelle passed away at the age of 75, Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, after a hard fought 4-year battle with lung cancer.

Tom was the beloved husband of Jan (Jersey) DeCelle of 32 years, who was at his side as he passed after taking amazing care of him throughout his illness.

After graduating from Catholic High School in Troy, Hudson Valley Community College and Murray State University (Kentucky), Tom pursued his Doctoral degree at Syracuse University while simultaneously working as a professor in the SUNY system teaching Business Law and other subjects and running his real estate school in five cities to help people obtain their brokers' licenses. He was also an international marketing consultant who helped business owners in Russia establish successful companies post-Cold War. He retired from SUNY Broome in 2005 and split his time between Oneonta and Little River, South Carolina.

Tom had fond memories of his youth in Saratoga, where he loved picnics and boating with his extended family while visiting the Saratoga racetrack. As an adult he enjoyed being a semipro hockey player, coaching high school and college hockey. He was also an avid volunteer for numerous organizations including the Exalted Ruler of the Elks and an active member of the Oneonta Country Club. He loved playing golf, watching his grandchildren's sports and cheering on his NY Yankees. However, family was his top priority and he loved spending time with his many friends and loved ones.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his daughter, Melissa and her husband David Wilcox of Westminster, Maryland; stepson, Jason Gould of Boca Raton, Florida; grandchildren, Emily, Caroline and Ryan; brother, Bob; and nieces and nephews,

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Joe.

Friends and family will gather in his memory in Westminster Maryland at date to be announced.

In the interim and in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Helios Care (helioscare.org/donate) in his name.