Thomas R Ayres

Thomas Roland Ayres, 68, a long-time resident of Plattsburgh, died Saturday, June 13, 2009, at CVPH Medical Center following a long battle with cancer. He was born December 12, 1940, in, Plattsburgh the son of Roland and Ruth (Alpert) Ayres. Tom graduated from Plattsburgh High school in 1958 and from Union College in 1962 before serving in the Air Force Reserves. Tom became co-owner of Cumberland Motor Sales, Inc with his brother Tim after the death of their mother Ruth. His father founded the business in 1934, and in 2000 after thirty-four years in the business Tom decided to retire and the Ford franchise was sold. Tom actively enjoyed softball and basketball, was passionately fond of music, and was a skilled arranger. He sang baritone with the Cumberland Bay Barbershop Chorus for many years and sang in several quartets including Eclectricity, Simply Devine, The Dreamers, Cross The Pond, Northern Express, and By Standers to name just a few. Due to his son's fight with Muscular Dystrophy, Tom devoted many hours raising funds to help find a cure. Tom is survived by his wife, Jane, of Morrisonville; his daughter, Heather Kumta, and her husband, Sunil of Schenectady; his stepson. Edward Orr and his wife Karisa, of Castaic, California; a brother Timothy Ayres, and his wife Susan, of Plattsburgh; a granddaughter Katie Kumta of Schenectady; two nieces Tia Wilkson and Marnie McPhail, and a nephew Jamie Morris. His parents, his son, Ricky and a stepson, Christopher Orr, predeceased him. He will be remembered for his quick smile, hearty laugh, and great sense of humor. Tom was compassionate, kind and quick to offer help. His friends and family will miss him greatly. Calling hours will be held Tuesday June 16, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St., Plattsburgh, New York. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kevin Clancy, Pastor of the Chateaugay Presbyterian Church, Chateaugay, New York officiating. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery in West Plattsburgh. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Hospice of the North Country or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com.