Obituary of Thomas R. Core

Thomas Richard Core, 58, of Walton passed away Friday, June 18, 2021 at his home after a year long battle with cancer.

Born September 4, 1962 in Mineola, NY, he was the son of Richard and Marilyn Core who moved their family to Walton in 1977.

Tom had a fast wit and dry, sometimes twisted, sense of humor. There was not a day that Tom didn’t make someone laugh. He held strong spiritual beliefs, possessed true integrity, and an immense love of animals and nature. He was a champion for animals and had zero tolerance for animal cruelty at any level. Brilliant and talented, he was an unsurpassed antique restorer and conservationist which included antique furniture, oil paintings, pottery, glass, and metal objects. An accomplished historian on all things antiquarian, a master craftsman and carpenter, and a highly skilled musician. Tom was always generous and giving of his time, talents, knowledge, and belongings.

He was an avid collector of a variety of antiques. A long time collector of Arts and Crafts era (often referred to as Mission) furniture, pottery, and copper mica lamps. His latest facsination was antique telephones and he was a member of two antique telephone enthusiast clubs. Shortly after club members learned of his restoration skills he freely gave of his time and talents for many projects, one of which was a full restoration of a 1931 oak phone booth.

Tom defined himself by the use of his mind and the skill of his hands. A popular motto of his was “Do it right or don’t bother”.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife and best friend of 12 years, Wendy (Detrick) Core, of Walton, NY; son, Steven Core, and granddaughter, Charlotte Joslin, of Cooperstown, NY.

Honoring Tom’s wishes there will be no funeral services. Memorial donations can be made to Heart of the Catskills Humane Society at www.heartofthecatskills.org.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with Tom’s family.