CALL NOW, AVAILABLE 24/7: | ALBION 585-589-4471 | HOLLEY 585-638-6397 | MIDDLEPORT 716-735-9244 | GASPORT 716-772-2410
Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Thomas
An environmentally friendly option
Loading...
K
Kevin and Carol Sheehan posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Bringenberg family. You are in our thoughts and prayers
J
Jean Mullins posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
I just heard about Tom's passing and I want to express how sorry I am. sometimes we didn't agree but I have to tell you he was one heck of a wonderful person. Please accept my condolences
Brenda Emery lit a candle
Monday, November 9, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_bluesquares.png
Reflection at Tom's Mass of Christian Burial November 9, 2020:
Well no good catholic would ever want to make mass longer, but, this is Tom's Mass and it's like a great song that you don't want to end. Still, I'll try to keep this short. Also, I'll have a question for you at the end. I think they give out candy here for the correct answers.
I really don't know what to say or how to honor Tom, but, if I could write a song about our relationship and what he meant to me, it would include the following stories, thoughts and questions.
You all know Tom well, I can't tell you what you already know and we don't have time to list every good thing about him. He and I weren't related, didn't go to school, the service or college together. Or become friends as neighbors, veterans or work.
So, I don't know him like most of you do.
We only knew each other at all, because he wanted to provide Boy Scouts that were interested in the Catholic Scouting awards, a place to meet and to facilitate those meetings. The fact that he didn't HAVE to do this and took it upon himself, amazes me to this day. He wasn't a scout leader, didn't have a child in Boy Scouts, in fact, he didn't even have a boy at the time. The first award was Ad Altari Dei, which we learned means; to the alter of God. And, really that is where Tom pointed us.
WOW, what a gift he was. We weren't kids meeting with an adult. We were people meeting with a person. Our questions, thoughts and stories mattered. And, they were similar to his. No subject off limits. We'd never met an adult like that!
And as I spent more time there, I wanted to spend more time there. I worried that I would wear out my welcome. He told me not to worry, they would leave the porch light on whenever I was welcome to visit.
And, so I did. What started then, turned into a defacto adoption, where, I gained a Mom, two great sisters and an awesome little brother. As well as, an extended family and a network of friends that I could not have imagined.
As they moved out to Barre, Tom was so excited about the outbuildings, barns, pool and all the room. I asked if the house had a porch. He told me about getting a tractor and horses. And, I, asked if the house had a porch. Finally, in his excitement, he heard my question and said, yes, I think so, why? I asked if the porch had a light. Then he told me that they had always left the porch light on, not just for me. It was just their way of letting me know that, like the light was always on, I was, always, welcome to visit.
And, so I did. In those days, many times when I arrived, I could hear Tom singing from the kitchen, a song about Clancy Emery having seven sons. Well fast forward some years later and it turns out, he was not a profit. I can't list here everything he is, or taught me, or all the things we did. Again, it is hard to describe our relationship. Other than, for me, life changing and profound.
The greatest gift he gave, was his example. He also gifted me with the confidence to try. He taught me that it is always better to work with a partner. We didn't always fix it right, or with the right tool. I do know, too much black tape was used, but, whatever it was, worked. We could talk, or not talk. From the beginning just spending time, enough. Whether under a car, on a roof or hanging off some cobbled together ladder system in between, we just were. We shared families, holidays, hopes, dreams and especially; questions, thoughts and stories. We became as close as relatives; we were brothers, when needed I had a father and he another son, always a friend. Through time shared and stories, I came to know his family, his time in school, in the service, in college and at work. It is so much more and so much less than that. It just is. A constant in life, where there are few.
However, there can be no song about Tom without Sue and the terrific team they are. From the beginning I knew I had never seen a marriage like theirs and to this day can not think of another example like their team. No one leading, no one following, just love and confidence that they each know the routine, their strengths, and how the other will lift them up, as they dance through life.
As Father said, we would be, and will be, congratulating them this coming July on 50 years. I think this bears pre-repeating so, to Tom and Sue, I say thank you and well done! And to reprise something from our DJ'ing days: if you all would, please join me in a big round of applause!
Tom points us all to the alter of God. You've seen it and experienced it, he would help anyone; family, friends, acquaintances...strangers.
I love him and miss him. In some ways it seems so soon, in others, it's like he's been gone a month of Tuesdays. I want to publicly thank him for helping me on my way to God's alter. And I am confident that when it's time for me to pass, that I WILL, see the light and the light will be from a simple porch fixture with a plain old bulb. And I will NOT walk towards it, I will run, most likely tripping up the stairs, to go through the door and we will share our; questions, thoughts and stories again. Picking up where we left off, with Tom saying "stay safe, love you, Buddy".
Jesus teaches us how to live and how to die and how to live again. Tom's example shows us to the alter of God. So, my question....How will WE take up Tom's challenge and help others Ad Altari Dei?
With Love and Gratitude,
Clancy
S
Sharon M. Chaplain lit a candle
Friday, November 6, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
So sad to hear of Tom's passing. I always enjoyed talking to him while we were celebrating Veterans Day (at the schools or at the Legion).
J
Julie Nadelen Johnson lit a candle
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle2.png
My sincere condolences to the Bringenberg family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Julie Nadelen
T
Ted Nadelen uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
/public-file/671/Ultra/4f411552-6d06-4e8f-bab7-d598cee164e3.jpg
A dear friend, a mentor. One of the most difficult skills to master is knowing when to listen and when to provide gentle guidance while allowing you to find your own answer. Tom is a master of this. Always there to listen no matter what. He is the epitome of service before self, a true patiot, a loyal friend, a loving partner to his wife who he obviously adored, and his family is a legacy to the man he will always be. The example Tom was to me will always be a part of the man I strive to be. All our love and prayers, Ted Nadelen and family.
T
Ted Nadelen posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/unitedstates.png
A
Aunt Lucille Bringenberg posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, November 4, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/butterfly.png
Love you, Tom and thank you for all you did for all of us. You were a good man and great example. I know all your children are so proud of you. Enjoy your welcome into the arms of Jesus! Aunt Lucille
Joanne White lit a candle
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
You will be so missed but not forgotten Tom!! Much love to all the Bringenbergs....Mike and Joanne White
K
Kelly Kirby lit a candle
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
Oh Bringenberg's :'( There are no words for the loss of such a wonderful man. I am a better person for having had Dad in my life. I love you all and am thinking of you and holding you all close to my heart. Big hugs
A
Anita Button lit a candle
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
M
Michael Stamp lit a candle
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle10.png
Tom will always have a place in my heart because he made my wife and I feel just like one of the family. I enjoyed the easiness of talking with him. We will miss Tom and he will never be far from our thoughts.
T
The family of Thomas B. Bringenberg, Jr. uploaded a photo
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
/tribute-images/5658/Ultra/Thomas-Bringenberg-Jr.jpg
Please wait
Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc.
585-589-4471 | 21 West Ave., Albion, NY 14411
585-638-6397 | 16650 State Route 31, Holley, NY 14470
Bates, Wallace & Heath Funeral Home
716-735-9244 | 38 State St., Middleport, NY 14105
Sherrie Bream & Kenneth H. Sherrie Funeral Home
716-772-2410 | 716-778-8546 |4521 Main St, Gasport, NY 14067