Thomas A. Burnetter, Jr.

Thomas A. Burnetter, Jr.(T-Bone), 60,departed peacefully from the world on Wednesday, Oct 17, 2012 to take his place as shortstop on the Lords Team after a valiant 3 year struggle with kidney cancer.

Those who knew Tom knew of his love and passion for sports, particularly baseball and football. The strong passion would be tapped to help him with his fight to "win the game" and beat his illness. That "never give up" attitude and love of family kept him with us and fighting a battle that no human should be asked to wage. He was an avid NY Yankee and NY Jets fan and we will all fondly remember the comments that were being hurled at the family room TV when his favorite teams were playing.

His love and passion of sports was nothing in comparison to the love and joy he had for his wife and two children. His most cherished memories were those of his many years of coaching his son's baseball team at West Albany. Years after the coaching ended, he would be stopped regularly by young and old yelling "Hey Coach".

Tom leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Mary C. (Newton) Burnetter; his mom, Mary R. Burnetter, his God son Joseph Burnetter and his most cherished gifts that God could give anyone, his son Jami Thomas and daughter Nicole Lynn (Pete) Levanites. In the later stages of his illness, God granted him the gift of bestowing on the family his little "pork chop", Shealynn Rose Levanites. Even in his most trying moments, that little voice "pop-pop" would pick him up and carry him to fight another day, watching Tom's expression when his little Shea sat with him sporting her NY Jets Jersey was priceless. A grandchild yet another unbelievable gift from god at the most neediest time of Tom's life, made his illness and suffering tolerable. Tom is also survived by his mother-in-law Alice Newton; his sister in laws Nancy, Barb (Jack) and Carol, his brother in law Arthur Newton Jr., his aunt Betty Couser and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Tom is further survived by his special cousin Frances (Peanut) Stack with whom he shared an unbelievable bond and connection.

Tom is predeceased by his dad, Thomas Burnetter, Sr. and his brother, Steve Burnetter who met him at the gates of heaven with a fishing pole and a beer.

Tom and his family have been blessed by the support, love, blessings and prayers from family and friends. The further caring and support of Dr. Kolodziej at NYOH, the many professionals of Albany Memorial hospital and his family, friends and his companion cat, Smokey, without them these last three years would have been unbearable. Many thanks to Joey and Herbie who sat with Tom to watch his last Jets game just days prior to his passing. We have been truly blessed and Tom's memory will live on thru many wonderful friends and family who had the honor of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Tom's name to the American Cancer Society American Cancer Society Hope Club One Penny Lane Latham, NY 12110 or St. Jude's 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. The family would like to ask if anyone has any pictures of Tom they'd like to share it would be greatly appreciated.

Funeral service for Tom will be Saturday, Oct 20, 2012 at 5:30 pm at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie. The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 3 to 5:30 at the Funeral Home. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.