Thomas L. Morrone

Thomas L. “Tom” Morrone, 78, a Norwich native, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 15, 2021, at Chenango Memorial Hospital.

Born on September 30, 1942 in Norwich, Tom was the son of Leo and Mary (Guiffre) Morrone. He attended the Norwich City Schools where he was a member of The Flames car club. When he was just 14 years old, Tom began his first job at Christman Motors. He worked his way up from a part-time car cleaner and preparer, to the dealership’s top salesman, then ultimately to president and owner. Up until his recent retirement, Tom served on the Board of the NYS Automobile Dealers Association. He was elected the Association’s President in 1997, chaired many of the Association’s committees, and served on its executive committee for many years.

On August 24, 1962, Tom married the love of his life, Sally (Owens) Morrone. Together they raised three children. Sally predeceased him on February 25, 2009.

Tom was deeply devoted to the community he lived in. He served on the Norwich City Traffic Commission, the Greater Norwich Local Development Corporation, the Chenango County 20-20 Commission, the Chenango Memorial Hospital Building Fund, Norwich City School Board of Education, the St. Bartholomew’s Church Fundraising Committee, the Town of Norwich Planning Board, The Northeast Classic Car Museum’s Board of Trustees, NBT Bank’s Advisory Board, and was a former president of the Chenango County Unit of the American Cancer Society. He was a longtime member of Commerce Chenango and its Governmental Affairs Committee, and was awarded its Commitment to Community Award in 2006. Tom also was awarded the local Boy Scouts Baden-Powell Council Distinguished Citizen Award in 2007. He was very active in local politics, and would have celebrated his 40 year anniversary as Chairman of the Chenango County Republican Committee in April 2021 and was the longest serving County Chairman in New York State. Tom was also a member of St. Bartholomew’s Church, and the Canasawacta Country Club.

Tom is survived by his children, MaryAnne (Jan) Papelino and Kimberly (Dave) Mack, each of Norwich, and Thomas L. Morrone Jr., of Hinsdale, IL; grandchildren, Thomas Dean, Mary Frances (Chris) Eddy, Abigail Dean, Maggie Morrone, Tommy Morrone, Katie Morrone, and Dylan Mack; great-grandson, Warren Eddy; sisters, Ann Morrone, of Norwich, and Mary Keegan, of Syracuse; goddaughter/niece, Geneanne (Frank) Keegan-Smith and their children Ella and Keegan Smith, and most importantly his dog, Cooper. In addition to his wife, Tom was predeceased by his brother Fidele Morrone, along with his wife Terry, and brother-in-law, Eugene Keegan.

A private Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will take place Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the Church of St. Bartholomew, where the Rev. Ralph A. Bove, pastor, will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home on Monday, January 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Callers are asked to enter through the side doors of the funeral home. To ensure the safety of all in attendance, please observe appropriate social distancing and sanitary practices, including facial coverings. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Paul’s Cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to the Norwich Fire Department, The Northeast Classic Car Museum, or a charity of one’s choice.