Obituary of Thomas Philip Febrey

Febrey, Thomas Philip We have lost a beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and teacher. Thomas Phillip Febrey passed away unexpectedly from a aortic aneurysm on December 9, 2015. On his birthday, December 16, 2015, Tom would have been 57 years old. He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Sonjia, his father Philip, sister Terry Febrey, brothers Tim (Julie) Febrey and Philip Febrey Jr., and godson, Dayne Jeffers. We cannot begin to fathom our lives without him. We are overcome with the realization of his legacy. He has impacted us all and influenced so many of us. Although special memories and a sadness overwhelm us, those poignant memories will comfort us and live on in our hearts. Tom was born in Rochester, NY, raised in Union Hill, and graduated from Wayne Central in 1977. He was a member of the track and the wrestling teams. He reminisced often about his friends and entertaining stories. Tom received his B.A. from SUNY Cortland in both Spanish and Music. After earning his M. A. in Spanish Literature from SUNY Binghamton, Tom embarked on a 30 year career teaching Spanish at schools in New York and Florida. After Tom’s teaching at SUNY Binghamton and SUNY Cortland, NY, Tom and his wife Sonjia moved to Florida, enjoying the chance to significantly improve his golf game while teaching at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne. For the last 17 years, Tom and Sonjia have been living in Chatham, NY, outside of Albany. When they first moved to NY, Tom taught at The Saint Rose College. For the last 13 years, Tom has been teaching at The Doane Stuart School in Rensselaer, NY. When Tom joined Doane Stuart, his career path was enriched by this unique educational community that shifted his focus to teaching middle school and high school students. Tom coached the school track team for many years and then co-coached the junior varsity boys’ basketball team. Tom really enjoyed his students and colleagues, sharing his knowledge, wit, and an occasional homemade apple pie. His dedication as a teacher and mentor was well noted. The Doane Stuart community cherishes and will miss how Tom enriched so many young lives for so many years. Tom and Sonjia enjoyed their young dear family friend, Annie, and were proud of her accomplishments. “Uncle” Tom felt honored to mentor piano, math, and driving lessons. The chocolate cake was renown. Tom and Sonjia had great memories of travelling- especially to Spain and to where Tom had studied at the University of Salamanca. He shared his passion for the country, and led the high school students on tours there. Tom was also a new member of two community bands, playing his trombone with the Ghent Band and the Coxsackie-Athens Band. For many years, since getting his B.A. in music, Tom has been an accomplished musician, playing the trombone, piano, and the baritone. He never missed a chance to sit with the Doane Stuart student band when they needed a coach. Family, friends, and colleagues will remember Tom in countless ways. He had a warm and witty sense of humor. Tom was a great storyteller. For the past six years, he wrote several novellas. His published works can be read online at Smashwords. Tom adored his family- parents Phil and Shirley, sister Terry, brother Philip, brother Tim, and sister-in law, Julie, nieces Sara, Tabitha, Trisha, nephews Josh and Jordan. He loved visiting the Rochester area with Sonjia to catch with family, including wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins. His family has fond memories of “Santa,” those epic Euchre games, and debating those rules with his aunts. He was confident that Sonjia benefitted from his tutelage. He lit up the party and made it special because he was there. Tom loved to crochet hats, scarves, and blankets for family and friends. Tom enjoyed the times he played golf with relatives, especially, years ago, his mother and father. We have lost a remarkable man. Memories of Tom live on with us. Now he is with God. Calling hours are on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 2-6 pm at the Falvo Funeral Home in Webster, NY. A celebration of Tom’s remarkable time with all of us will be held at Falvo Funeral Home the following day, Monday, December 14, 2015 at 10:30am. Father Kreckel, who married Tom and Sonjia, will officiate that service. If possible, friends and family are asked to bring a birthday card for Tom. All are welcome to post a memory on Facebook.