ALTAMONT — Thomas VanAuken “entered into eternal rest on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020, after a long, valiant battle with lung cancer,” his family wrote in a tribute. He was 63.

He lived most of his life in Altamont. “Tommy, a gentle soul, led a quiet life, very devoted to his family, especially his favorite niece Penny,” the tribute said.

After serving in the United States Army, he came home and volunteered as a fireman for Altamont. He worked as a state employee for 28 years in the buildings and grounds department, recently retiring due to his illness.

He is survived by his brothers, Clifford VanAuken and his wife, Linda, and Terry VanSuken, all of Altamont, and by his brother William VanAuken and his wife, Marianne, of Arizona, and by his sister-in-law Victoria VanAuken along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

His parents, Harry and Olive (née Burke) VanAuken, died before him as did his brother Robert and sister-in-law Barbara (née Langlois) VanAuken, and recently his brother Harry “Al” VanAuken.

 The family would like to thank his doctors and Community Hospice at St. Peter’s for their care and support. A private family service will be held at a later date.