August 1, 2023

It is with a sad heart we share that Thomas M. Tinney, 80, peacefully passed away at his home on Grindstone Island on August 1, 2023.

Tom was born on August 30, 1942, in Watertown, New York a son of Leonard J. Tinney and Helen S. Shriver Tinney. Tom was a 1960 graduate of Watertown High School which marks the beginning of his amazing journey.

Tom met the love of his life Julie in 2001, which began the love story that would never end.

Tom was known by many people as the hardest working man that they have ever had the privilege of knowing. He worked preparing concrete right up until five days before passing. Tom held many jobs through his journey but the one that truly meant the most to him was working at Tug Hill Construction for a dear friend, Jeff Kellogg. This is where Tom proved his worth of being able to do anything he set his mind too. During Tom’s journey he had the privilege of meeting so many people who became lifelong friends.
Tom had a way of sharing the love for his many passions in his life, like the majestic loons of the St. Lawrence River. This is where he was known to be the icon man that built a floatable nest for the loons. This allowed the loons to nest and be safe from predators only to be so successful in adding many more loons to his beloved St. Lawrence River. 

Tom’s love also trickled down into his children, grandchildren, family, friends, and his best companions Picton and Maple (his fur friends). He was greatly admired by all for his integrity, his words of wisdom, his admiration for his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Tom’s love was fierce for so many things – he loved water skiing and skiing in the deepest of snows, he had a passion for sailing like no other, and using his chainsaw as often as he could. His love for reading a good book stood out a lot - as he got older the more he read and the smarter he said he was getting. He loved the simple things in life like all the meaningful conversations he had with his children, family and friends. He loved to play hockey with the old timers and snowmobile to places that captured his intense love of just being in the Adirondacks. 

Tom’s loyalty and love stood out the most to his wife forever and ever. Tom was a member and big supporter of the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, Maverick Ski Club, Thousand Island Snowmobile Club, Mt. Arab Fire Tower, Save the River, Tilt, Antique Boat Museum, and he supported more plane, trains, and crane magazines than any other human could imagine.

Tom is survived by his wife Julie A. Tinney and her children Jessica L. Davidson (Nate Hamson) Depauville, Tyler J. Fisk, Saranac Lake, Paige M. Kincheloe (Nathaniel Kincheloe), Tucson Arizona. Three beautiful children of his own – Theresa Molle (Vince) Georgia, Sherri Beswick (Bill) Florida, and Melissa Tinney Clayton. Brother John (Rid) Tinney Rochester, and several nieces and nephews, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Tom’s family will be holding a celebration of his amazing life on September 23, 2023, from 1PM – 4PM at the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc. Clayton and online condolences to his family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s name may be made to the Clayton Volunteer Fire Department, 855 Graves Street or TIERS, PO Box 524 both in Clayton, NY 13624.