Thomas M. Reamer, Jr.

East Greenbush - Thomas "Tom" Murray Reamer, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully at Eddy Heritage House in Troy on Thursday, September 17, 2026, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on January 25, 1940, in Montclair, New Jersey, Tom was the only son of the late Thomas Murray Reamer and Margaret Murray Reamer. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1958 and went on to attend Hartwick College, graduating in 1962.

Following college, Tom began a career centered on community service and fundraising. He served as a field representative for the American Cancer Society of Essex County, New Jersey. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Carole Hermitt, who was a nursing instructor on the Nursing Education Committee. The two were married in April 1964 in Exeter, Pennsylvania; beginning a devoted marriage that would span 62 years.

That same year, Tom reorganized the "Sabin Oral Sunday" immunization program for the Essex County Medical Society, an effort that ultimately helped immunize nearly one million county residents. In 1965, he became the youngest United Fund Director in the country, as he assumed leadership of the Summit, New Jersey United Fund. In 1968, he took on responsibility for the Fund Raising Division of the Essex County United Fund.

In 1973, Tom and Carole relocated from New Jersey to Spencertown, New York, where they purchased the Spencertown Country Store. They lived in a spacious apartment above the store and quickly became part of the fabric of the small community. Under their care, the store became not only a thriving business but also a gathering place for the local residents, weekenders, and retirees from New York City. Tom once reflected on the importance of a country store to its community, noting "You can see it's a hundred year institution; the local people consider this their store, we're just the temporary custodians".

After 28 years of owning the store, Tom and Carole moved to East Greenbush. Tom continued his professional career, preparing taxes for Jackson Hewitt and working part-time at the Home Depot in Latham.

Tom remained deeply committed to service throughout his life. He was an active volunteer firefighter with the Spencertown Fire Company and served as a past president of the Hartwick College Alumni Association. Drawing upon his extensive fundraising experience, he generously volunteered his time and talents for numerous organizations, including Clearwater with Pete Seeger, the Spencertown Academy Society, the Spencertown Fire Company, the Friends of St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Spencertown, and the Church of the Holy Spirit in East Greenbush.

Tom and Carole shared a love of travel and adventure. Together they enjoyed camping and boating throughout the Adirondacks, Lake George, and the Hudson River. In retirement, they especially treasured spending the winter months in Hilton Head and Surfside Beach, South Carolina.

Tom had a deep appreciation for history and his community; he was an avid reader and enjoyed writing short stories. In 2022, the Austerlitz Historical Society published his collection of short stories, Spencertown Days, preserving his memories of the 28 years he and Carole spent living and working at the heart of Spencertown. Tom dedicated his book to his mother and to "our loyal employees over the years who provided our store with its unique character and success."

Above all, Tom will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his community, and the many organizations he faithfully served throughout his life.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carole; his exchange student and honorary children, Aline (Jacquerye) Reid and Denis Jacquerye; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom's memory to the Austerlitz Historical Society, P.O. Box 144, Austerlitz, NY 12017.

Carole and the family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care and kindness Tom received from the staff of Albany Medical Center and Eddy Heritage House in Troy, as well as the tireless support provided by Community Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Tom's family on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:45-10:45am at the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., 1700 Washington Ave., Rensselaer. A memorial service will be held at 10:45 a.m., at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy.