Message from David Audet

I was a friend of Tom my freshman year at Boston University. He was fun, intelligent, kind and a great musical influence on me. I learned a lot about music from him. I have many vivid and fond memories of Tom and his trombone. I am sorry that I lost contact with him. I am sure I would have enjoyed his company these past fifty years. My condolences to his family and friends. David Audet Juneau AK

Message from George Eckenrode

Tommy was my friend and room mate when we both attended the Juilliard School. I found the news of his passing while attempting to locate him to chat about "old times". This is very, very sad news. I have missed him a lot and now mourn this loss. I will certainly pass this news on to his buddies from the band. Rest in peace.

Message from Keith Dyer

So sorry to learn of this. I too was member of the BCHS band with Tom. I remember him fondly.

My sincere condolences to Ginny and the rest of Tom's family.

Message from Dave Gebler

I am sorry to hear of Tommy’s passing. It has been many years since we have seen each other but the portrait seems to capture the character of the guy I remember. Thoughtful with a laugh and so gifted playing the trombone. In high school we would be let out for lunch a little early, grab our lunch bags, head to the cafeteria, eat quickly and then go over to band practice. Tommy sat on the other side of the lunch table and it was there he set the record for reusing the same brown bag long before recycling became fashionable.

My best wishes to all including his big sister Ginny.

Message from Jim Thompson

I was fortunate to be in the Binghamton central band and orchestra with Tom. He was a wonderful musician with a great sense of humor. We shared a lot of good times. Though I had not seen him for many years, I thought of him at every parade as the Binghamton HS band passed, and every time that I was driving through the First Ward, especially when going by the "T" House.

To Bob and Ginny - so sad for your loss. Please know that your brother enriched my life.

Jim

Message from Steve Yevchak Jr

Rest in Peace old friend! Soar with the angels!

A candle was lit by Gail & Kenny Gilchrist on May 23, 2017 6:39 PM

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We were so saddened to learn of Tommy's passing. He was part of our lives years ago during the days of the open mic at Mike's Bar & Grille. He was a great friend with a quirky sense of humor. He was a fantastic musician whom we loved to jam with. We'll always remember the fun after hours parties at his house! Rest In Peace, our dear old friend.

A candle was lit by Gail & Kenny Gilchrist on May 23, 2017 6:23 PM

Message from Philip Goodman

Dear Bob,
I was sorry to read that your brother has died. I knew you from the band at Binghamton Central High School. You played piano accompaniment for me one year at "Contest." (I played French Horn.) Please accept my condolences on your loss.

Message from John Petrikonis

Rest in peace from a former childhood neighbor..

Message from Mary Ann Kocak

Bob and family. So very sorry for the loss of your brother. May his memory be eternal.

Expression of Sympathy

A TRADITIONAL FUNERAL BASKET was ordered on May 17, 2017

Message from Rebecca Hemzik

Rest in Peace Tommy.

Message from ozzie

Beckwork?

Message from John Seman

To the Kolpakas family, please accept my deepest condolences on Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Message from Karen Robinson

Gentle, loving, talented, sweet, funny, sincere. Humans are not often created so wondrously. My condolences Chris and family.

Message from Greg Meisner

I remember making music together many years ago. Tom was a great player and wonderful person. This world will miss him.

Message from Pauline Tugwell

I knew my cousin Tom and his siblings for all their early years. I was often at their home and shared their activities. They were very dear to me. As we grew up, we didn't meet as often, but we still were friends as well as cousins. Tom has always been dear to me. I pray for him and feel in my heart that he has been welcomed in heaven by our loving God.

Message from John Ozovek

Tom was my closest and dearest friend.We were bonded for more than 60 years.I will never forget him.

Message from Ed and Delores Sleeper

Our condolences to the Kolpakas family. I remember Tom as a talented and sensitive kid who was very respectful to my parents, as were all of you. So sorry for your loss.

Message from Phil Sweeney, Alexis Cacyuk and family...

Tom Kolpakas, "Special K", was our dear friend for the past 40 years...I went to High School with Tom and we established a life-long bond based in the old First Ward and all of the historical figures who live there even today...Tom was a gifted and talented musician, a philosopher of great merit and our very dear friend...We rented the apartment above Tom, where we lived for several years, and he became very much a part of our extended family...The grace and wisdom of Tom Kolpakas will always be a living testament in our lives...Rest in peace our dear friend.