Thomas P. Phalen

Thomas P. “Foxy” Phalen, 80, a lifelong resident of Mohawk, NY, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Born to Lorna Leonard Phalen and Paul Phalen on June 4, 1945, Tom was the youngest of six siblings and a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Tom married Joyce Eileen Miles on July 22, 1983, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Mohawk, and they spent many cherished years together before her passing in 2013. Tom was a proud 1964 graduate of Mohawk Central School, and he went on to attend classes at Herkimer County Community College. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964-1967, then dedicated 30 years to working at RDR Industries before retiring in 2007. He was proud of his faith and a dedicated member of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Depending on the weather and time of day, Tom could often be found sitting on the front porch, tinkering in his garage, or sitting at the dining room table with a puzzle and the radio on. He enjoyed his daily morning walks around the village to get the newspaper, his snacks of Limburger cheese and Ballantine Ale, and going to camp.

If there was a project that needed working on, Tom could always be counted on to be the first one to show up and lend a helping hand. His house often served as the designated spot for family, neighbors, and friends to gather, and he was always ready with full candy jars and plenty of drinks in the fridge for anyone who wanted to stop by. He loved to host his annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration and chili dinners on Halloween.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, Lorna and Paul Phalen; his beloved wife, Eileen Phalen; his brothers, John Phalen and David Phalen; and several in-laws.

Tom is survived by his sisters, Lois Nevils and Kathryn Knewasser; his brother, Michael Phalen; many loving nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

Tom will be dearly missed by all who were lucky to know and love him.

Friends and family are invited to call at the locally owned and family operated, Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets) 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY 13350 on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 71 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY 13407. Burial with full military honors accorded will immediately follow at the Mohawk Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Tom’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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