Obituary of Thomas Haynes

Thomas Haynes, Jr., age 78, beloved husband of Gloria Johnson Haynes, departed this life peacefully on Thursday, January 17th 2019 with his cherished son Terence by his side. While we grieve his passing, we are at peace celebrating his life lived so passionately with resilience, love, and a great sense of humor. We love him and knew him as a generous, supportive, courageous, strong and loving individual.

Thomas, also known as Dad, Grandpa, Tommy, Junior, Uncle Junior, and Deacon Haynes was born on January 5th, 1941 in Charleston, South Carolina. He was the eldest of three children of the late Thomas and Rebecca Brown Haynes. He was educated in Dewitt Clinton High School, Bronx, NY, Bronx Community College, with an Associate Degree in Applied Science, and the John Jay School of Criminal Justice, where he earned his Master Degree in Criminal Justice. A talented boxer, Tommy was a Three-time Golden Glove, 1959, 1960, and 1961.

Possessing an exceptional work ethic  throughout his life, Tommy began working as a New York City Department of Recreation Life Guard and NYC Department of Transportation, Trackman. He became a NYC Police Officer for the Transit Police Department. After retiring, he started a new career with the New York State Department of Corrections  as a Correctional Officer until retiring. He went on to work for the Edgemont/Scarsdale School District as the Supervisor of Security until retiring. He also held for five years a State of Pennsylvania Realtor Licensed.

Thomas confessed his faith in Christ in 1968, joining the Union Baptist Church in Harlem, NY. He attended Resurrection Life SOP-Sounds of Praise Ministry, Bridgeport Connecticut under the leadership of Bishop Andrew Simmons, where he was ordained as a deacon in 1993, and where he was devoted until his death. Strong promoters of social justice, Thomas and Gloria were at the forefront of The Civil Rights Assignments for the rights of New York Police Department. His volunteerism includes serving over 6,000 hours at the Pocono Medical Center.

In addition to Ann (aka Gloria) his devoted wife of 45 years and his loving son Terence, Tommy's memory will be embraced by his daughter in law, Marni Haynes; his beautiful three grandchildren, Tyrece, Treycen, and Tristan Haynes. He is also survived by his dear sisters in law, Gwendolyn Johnson and Linda Palmer and her husband Timothy; brother in law, David Johnson; devoted nephews and nieces, Brandon, Dion (aka Deacon), Aaron, Sherrell, Nicole, Aaron, Fiona, and Krystal; as well as, longtime dear friends of 50 plus years William and Miah Mitchell, Bobbie and Pat Trottman, Tommy Ninens. He also leaves behind many other family and friends. In addition to his parents, Tommy was predeceased by two siblings; Bobbie Haynes (aka Robin Kenyatta) and Doris Haynes.

Kind hearted to his family, friends, and those in need, we will miss you Tom and will continue to be inspired by the many precious memories of your love and care for those around you. We will always love and cherish you.

Friends may visit his family on Wednesday from 10 to 11 AM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center, followed immediately by his funeral service officiated by the Reverend James Logan. His entombment will take place in Willowbrook Cemetery. 

To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com