Thomas E Islas

Saranac Thomas E. Islas, 85, of River Road, Saranac, NY, passed away on Monday December 12, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Lyon Mountain, NY on July 10, 1931 the son of Francis and Katherine (Silage) Islas. Thomas served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart and several other medals before being honorably discharged in 1954. After being discharged he returned to the North Country where he worked in construction. Thomas married the love of his life Gem Wood on September 27, 1958 at the Assumption of Mary Church in Redford, NY. Soon after Thomas began working at Clinton Correctional Facility as a Correctional Officer. He retired from Clinton Correctional in 1993 after 29 years of service. He was a member of the Assumption of Mary Church in Redford. Thomas was an avid outdoorsman who had a great sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories. He was known to his family and friends as a kind-hearted, respectful man who was a true gentleman. Thomas' greatest joy was spending time with his wife and daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. Thomas was predeceased by his parents, four brothers Francis, William, Bernard, and Vince Islas, and two grandsons Joel Atkinson and Matthew Ferris. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gem Islas, five daughters Kathleen and Brad Fournia, their daughters Carissa, Danielle and her husband Nate Siskavich; Karen and Wade Atkinson, their children Erika, Lukas, Joseph, and Olivia; Janice Islas, her sons Jacob and Zackary; Ann and Andrew Heywood, their daughters Emily and Rebecca; Kristen and William Ferris, their children David, Anna, Joshua, and Jack; great-grandchildren Sawyer, Rex, and Carter; two brothers John and Greta Islas and Edward Islas; four sisters-in-law Marjorie Rezey, Theresa Wood, Mary G. Islas, and Mary Islas; and many, many cherished nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Saturday December 17, 2016 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Assumption of Mary Church in Redford, NY, a Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00 am. Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home, 29 Broad St. in Plattsburgh. (518) 561-3980. Online condolences and memorial candles may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeinc.com. And in the spirit of Tom's love for baseball, "Go Red Sox!"