Thomas E. Puerschner

Thomas E. Puerschner of Jeffersonville, NY, a retired Lineman for Verizon and a lifelong area resident, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at his home. He was 83. The son of the late Edmund J. and Virginia L. Mathern Puerschner, he was born in Callicoon, NY, on April 20, 1941.

Tom graduated from Jeffersonville-Youngsville High School in 1959 and enlisted with the US Navy. While serving in the US Navy between 1960 and 1964, Tom achieved the rank of Second-Class Petty Officer in the Navy Aviation division and flew as a right seater in the Douglas A-1 Sky Raider, “the SPAD.” He recently joined the American Legion Post #73 in Monticello, NY, and he enjoyed spending time with this fellow Veterans.

After returning from the US Navy, Tom was employed for thirty years as a Lineman for NY Telephone Company/Verizon and retired in 1994. He was an active member for over sixty years with the Jeffersonville Fire Department (1964-2024). Tom served as an Engineer (1966-2021), Chief (1975-1977), and Commissioner (1977-2011) with the Jeffersonville Fire Department. In addition, Tom was a member of the original Sullivan County Underwater Recovery Unit; a Charter member and Vice President in 2011of the Association of Fire Districts of Sullivan County, a member of the Wildland Search and Rescue Team, and a member of the United Methodist Church in Kenoza Lake, NY. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating and was a member of the NRA and Buck Ridge Rod and Gun Club.

Survivors include his wife, Judy C. Butherus Puerschner, at home; his son, Edmund Puerschner and his wife Janet Myers; his daughter, Janay Puerschner; step-son, John Spath and his companion Juliete Gabel; step-daughter, Jennifer Clark and her husband Gary Clark; and his grandchildren, Kevin Puerschner, Nile Puerschner, Devon Clark, Nicholas (Alexia) Clark, Ashley Clark, Karlee Spath and Kara Spath; his brother, Robert Puerschner; sister, Patricia DePasquale and her husband Frank; a special cousin, Gary Mathern and his wife Myra; sisters-in-law, Sharon Fedde and Dian Brown; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was predeceased by his parents; daughter-in-law, Audra Spath; grandchildren, Baylee Anne Spath and John Wayne Spath, III; and sister-in-law, Sharon Puerschner.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., with Firematic services beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Harris Funeral Home, 115 West Street, Liberty, NY.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Virginia Bossley will officiate.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to the Jeffersonville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 610, Jeffersonville, NY, 12748 or to the Lutheran Cemetery Association, c/o Rhonda Decker, P.O. Box 296, Jeffersonville, NY, 12748.

Dignified cremation will be provided by the Harris Crematorium, LLC. A private burial, at the convenience of the family, will be in the Lutheran Cemetery, Jeffersonville, NY.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West Street & Buckley Street, Liberty, NY, 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 www.Harris-FH.com