Thomas J. Wutz

Thomas Joseph Wutz of Latham, NY., passed away at the Eddy Village Green on July 15, 2023 from cancers related to his deployment to Ground Zero immediately following the September 11, 2001 attacks.  He was surrounded by his loving family.

Born on October 13, 1948 in Williamsville, New York, Tom was one of three sons of the late Bill and Evelyn Wutz. Tom graduated from Williamsville South High School in the class of 1966.  He was a graduate of the University of Buffalo.  Tom proudly served his county in the New York Air National Guard for approximately 24 years, retiring in 2001 as Chief Master Sergeant.

Tom had a long and accomplished career in Fire Protection and Emergency Services Management.  He began his fire career in the Williamsville FD in 1968, from there he was a member of the Schoharie FD from 1972-1986, serving as Chief of the department from 1975-1980.  After moving to Colonie, Tom was an active member in the Midway FD from 1986-2000. Tom had a 31 year career with the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, retiring in 2011 as the Chief of the Fire Services Bureau.  In this capacity Tom had many great accomplishments and achievements including the establishment of New York’s Regional Response Team, NYRRT-1.  Tom was widely recognized for his expertise and experience as a Team Leader for the New York State Incident Management Team.

Tom was proud of the work he and his wife Jeanne have done in advocating and helping connect World Trade Center first responders with the healthcare and other services they need.

Continuing the proud tradition in the Wutz family, Tom was immensely proud of his sons who currently serve with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY); Tom is a Captain in the 6th Division in the Bronx and Jared is assigned to 84 Engine in Washington Heights.

Tom loved his family with all his heart and supported them in all their endeavors.  He followed their adventures and activities closely and joined in whenever he could. He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed a glass of good bourbon, and was a loyal and long-suffering fan of the Buffalo Bills.

In addition to his loving wife Jeanne (Grebert), Tom is survived by his cherished sons Thomas Wutz, Jr., his wife Jennifer and Jared Wutz, his wife Christine; as well as stepchildren Andrew Mesick, his wife Sarah and Linnea Heffner, her husband Justin. He was Papa Tom to his six wonderful grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. Tom is also survived by nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son Kevin Wutz; brothers Michael P. Wutz and William A. Wutz.

The family offers special thanks to the staff at the Eddy Village Green in Cohoes for their expert and compassionate care of Tom.  The many kindnesses they showed to Tom’s family and friends were deeply appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Friday, July 21 from 3 to 7 pm at Christ Our Light Catholic Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville, NY.  The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 11:00am at Christ Our Light.  A private burial will be held at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor Tom’s memory, the family would be grateful for contributions to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, (t2t.org.), 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com