Ahern, Thomas Patrick

June 27, 1930 - February 26, 2014

Tom Ahern was born In Brooklyn Hospital, New York City to Helen R. and William J. Ahern, 210 Central Avenue, Central Park, Long Island, New York on June 27, 1930. At that point, Tom was the fifth child (fourth son) in a family which would eventually encompass seven children (four boys and three girls).

With an older sister and three brothers, Tom learned, early in life, to be fast on his feet with a logical defense for anything he might be accused of by his siblings. His parents, sensing the challenges Tom faced with his older brothers and sister, entrusted his early academic education into the care of the good sisters at St. Ignatius Catholic Parochial School in Hicksville. Tom subsequently returned to the footsteps of his older brothers, Bill and Jerry, and graduated from Farmingdale High School. For three years, Tom and Bill worked for their brother Jerry's trucking firm, Conklin Contracting; however, they pursued other interests when Conklin Contracting was disbanded.

Tom began a professional career at Knight Brothers Furniture Store in Huntington before moving on to the excitement of a future as a professional, First Responder Firefighter/Dispatcher at the Huntington Fire Department where he completed over 40 years of service and attained the rank of Assistant Chief. During that period he did, however, meet, woo, win the hand and wed the former Joan Knight. They remained in Huntington and began to build their family of five children.

Following the lead of his brothers, Bill and Jerry, Tom joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve and served on active duty at Mitchel Air Force Base during the Korean War. At one point, Tom received training in a unit administered by his brother Bill. Sharing an interest in all things aeronautical with his brother Bill, Tom obtained a private pilot flying license at Republic Airport in Farmingdale and spent many hours defying gravity with his relatives and friends.

Tom completed a long, successful career with 15 years of service as a Facilities Electrical Technician with Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation in Bethpage. He combined this activity with continuing service as a volunteer firefighter in Huntington.

Tom is predeceased by his sons, Thomas and Stephen. His son William, and daughters, Joanne and Julia Nell, are all currently active in the Huntington business community. Tom was also the proud grandfather of six grandchildren. He is survived by his six siblings, Mary K. Looney, William, Jeremiah, Robert, Anne Fulton and Helene Stahl.

Tom's devotion to his wife, Joan, his children and grandchildren came first and foremost. This commitment to family, coupled with his jovial demeanor, quick wit and years of dedicated public service, has established a legacy widely recognized by those he came in contact with. Tom will be missed.

Information from William and Jeremiah Ahern - March 2014