Thomas Tyler

Thomas L. Tyler Sr., 68, a Norwich native, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Sloan-Kettering Hospital, in New York City, with family by his side.

Born February 6, 1949, in Norwich, Tom was the son of Louis and Barbara (Baulf) Tyler. He lived as a child in Plymouth, NY, and graduated in 1967 from Norwich High School. Immediately after graduating, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served during the Vietnam War era. Tom spent 22 years in the Navy on ten different vessels and deployments all over the globe. At one time during his service, Tom was honored to be part of the commissioning crew of the USS Nimitz Carrier. In 1989, Tom retired from the Navy, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. He was so very proud of his service, and for all those who currently serve in the U.S. armed forces.

After retiring, Tom began work for a short time with NBT Bank, but would go on to spend the next 17 years overseeing the maintenance of the Chenango Valley Home, in Norwich. As the head of maintenance there, he played a key role in the Chenango Valley Home’s various expansions.

Above all else, Tom was a devoted family man. He so adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and in-laws. Tom had a certain kinship that was unique to each member of his family. He was especially devoted to his wife of 37 years, Deborah (Costa) Tyler who survives. Tom and Deborah met in Massachusetts through a mutual friend, and on August 9, 1980, they were married. With the Navy, they would be stationed in Philadelphia and Newport, RI. The two would eventually settle in Norwich in June 1989.

Tom also loved to tinker, and was known to be able to fix just about anything. He was also very fond of reading about history, especially Chenango County history, and enjoyed bird watching, buying and selling antiques, and helping a friend each year at the antique show in Bouckville. Tom mostly enjoyed spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Tom is survived by his daughter Jennifer (Brian) Scheuer, of Norwich, son Thomas L. (Marianne) Tyler Jr, of Virginia Beach, VA, who also serves in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, grandchildren, Emma and Collin Scheuer, of Norwich, mother Barbara Baulf Eldred, of Norwich, sister Kathleen (Marco) Restrepo, of Norwich, father-in-law, Raymond E. Costa, of Florida, and brothers-in-law Raymond F. (Alice) Costa, Timothy (Jean) Costa, and Peter (Karen) Costa, each of MA. Tom was predeceased by his father Louis Tyler, step-mother Elizabeth Tyler, mother-in-law Ruth A. Costa, and nieces Maria and Alicia Restrepo.

To honor Tom’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or public service.

“I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:6-7)

Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to in his name, MMCM(SW) Thomas L. Tyler Sr., to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, or online at http://www.nmcrs.org.

“Fair winds and following seas…”