Middlefield, Town, NY - MIDDLEFIELD - Thomas Richard Lambert, 74, passed away on Aug. 1, 2025, at his home after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Tom was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire where he graduated from Goffstown High School in 1969. Tom and his best friend traveled to Yasgur's farm in Bethel for the first Woodstock event.

Following high school, Tom joined the United States Air Force and began a 22-year service career, stationed first at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas during the Vietnam War years. He subsequently was stationed at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, then Mt. Hebo in Oregon and at Griffis Air Force Base in Rome. Tom furthered his career in Europe with tours in Italy, Greece, Germany, and Spain before returning to the U.S. for his final tour in Louisiana before retiring on July 31, 1992. Tom received numerous awards and recognitions during his 22 years in the Air Force. He often joked that he spent 22 years in the military followed by 20 years in prison. Of course, his 20 years "in prison" was as a NYS Corrections Officer. He did state tours at Sing-Sing, Fishkill, and finally at Midstate Correctional Facility in Marcy.

Tom's first wife of 41 years, Joann Marie (Wahl) predeceased him in 2018. Together they had two children, Brandon Lambert and Rebecca Lambert. In July 2021 Tom married his new love, Kelly Marie (Bishop) Lambert, and the two began sharing their passion for living and filling each day with new adventures.

Tom is survived by his wife Kelly; son Brandon; daughter Rebecca; stepdaughter Katie Vandermark; grandchildren, Desiree Jester, Khloe Watkins, Jakob Watkins; step-grandchildren, Kylie Vandermark and Jasper Vandermark; siblings, Greg Lambert, Jamie Goudreault, Tammy Goudreault, Joseph Goudreault, Jr., Bruce Harwood, Bob Butler, Maureen Butler, and Sue (Butler) Proulx; and by many nieces and nephews.

Tom's final years were spent with Kelly and family. He was an avid golfer, finally achieving his first "hole in one" in June 2020. He loved to hunt and fish, and he and Kelly could be seen traveling the countryside roads on their Harley Davidson Trike, fishing in many New York lakes and wintering at their Florida home.

Tom was a member of the Oneonta American Legion and for many years served as commander of the Otsego County organization known as the "Forty and Eight". His message to friends and family "I've lived my life to the fullest, remember me but don't grieve my departure, for my life was spent with family and with friends that were like family and all were loved dearly; I'll be watching over you from above."

Tom's family would like to thank Helios Care for the support and care in his final days, and the support from neighbors Cyle and Heather Hunter, Bob Harrington and Rosa Simmons.

For those who desire, please consider donations in Tom's memory to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY 13820 or your local SPCA.

Visiting hours will be held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in Westville Cemetery with full Military Honors. Following the burial a gathering will held at the Westville Airport on NYS Route 166.