Thomas W. Major

Thomas W. Major passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on May 13, 2022 at the age of 84.  

Tom was born in Johnson City on July 12, 1937. He was the loving son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth (Poplawsky) Major. He was a 1955 graduate of Horseheads High School, holding multiple sports records. As an outstanding shortstop, he was offered a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but instead elected to attend Cortland State University and play for the Red Dragons. Here, he met the love of his life Marie, and lettered in football, baseball, and wrestling. Although he excelled in football, playing quarterback, fullback and linebacker, his best achievements were in baseball. As a 3 year varsity short stop, he earned a .474 batting average that was not surpassed for 20 years. During his tenure at Cortland, he was also involved in the Cardinal Key and Neumann’s Clubs, the Men’s Athletic Association (MAA) and the Beta Phi Epsilon fraternity. In 2011, he was elected into the SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame.

After graduating, Tom dedicated his entire 35 year teaching career to Trumansburg Central School as a Middle School Physical Education Teacher, Department Chair and serving as Athletic Director for 25 years. Although Tom’s coaching career at Trumansburg Central School included coaching wrestling, basketball, track, baseball, and golf, he is best remembered as a successful and well-respected 17 season football coach. For all his many years of dedicated service, the Trumansburg Central School athletic complex was named for him.

Due to his storied athletic career and dedication to high school athletics, Tom was inducted into several prestigious Hall of Fame Associations including the New York State Athletic Association (NYSAA) and Horseheads High School, Chemung County Hall and Trumansburg High School.

He was committed to serving the Trumansburg and Ulysses Communities for more than 48 years. Many generations remember him as the Village of Trumansburg Recreation Director. In addition, he taught Red Cross Certification Class for 25 years. Other active community involvement includes a 35 year membership in the Trumansburg Golf Club….where he initiated many youth programs, and the Elks and Rotary Clubs.

Tom is best remembered as a family man who received the most enjoyment from spending time with his wife Marie and watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed following his beloved Boston Red Sox much to the dismay of his mother…an avid Yankees fan. He enjoyed traveling with his family and especially spending winters in Saint Pete’s Beach, Florida. He also enjoyed reading the newspaper…front to back and word puzzles, and having a good time with friends and family.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marie Major; daughters, Valerie (Alan) Gloger, Melissa (James) Gatch, and Karen (Eric) Murphy; son, Tom (Beth) Major; grandchildren, Natasha (David Scavo) Gloger, Matthew Gloger, Amanda (Nick) Robertson, Alex (Katie) Gatch, Sabrina (Margaret) Murphy, Hannah (Branden) Martin, Sarah Murphy, Ellie and Reagan Major; four great grandchildren, Sienna Scavo, Chase and Tucker Robertson, and Rose Murphy; a sister, Joan Gilbert; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, David; and a brother, Joseph Major Jr.

A Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at St. James Catholic Church, 17 Whig Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886. Prayers of Committal will follow at St. James Cemetery in Trumansburg. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held from 1:00 to 4:00pm on May 21 at the Trumansburg Golf Course, 23 Halsey Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

In lieu of flowers the family asks those that would like to make a contribution in Tom’s memory to kindly consider Cortland College Foundation, Attn: Baseball Program, PO Box 2000, Cortland, NY 13045 or the American Cancer Society. 

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