Thomas J. Begley, 73,of Cato, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2016.

Tom was born on December 1, 1942 to James P. & Jeanette Begley. Raised in the New York City area, Tom attended St. Raymond's Grammar School, Regis High School, and St. Peter's Prep. He continued his Jesuit education at LeMoyne College, graduating in 1964 with an A.B. in French. Tom worked as a sales engineer for Goulds Pumps and Morris Pumps.

In 1972, Tom founded CATOH Inc., a geotechnical construction company. In 2001, CATOH was acquired by Hayward Baker. Tom began his next career as a farmer, developing Lake Breeze Farms near Cross Lake.

Tom also took great pride in his 50+ year involvement in the volunteer fire service. He was a member of the Cato Fire Department for 48 years, and a Cayuga County Deputy Fire Coordinator for 22 years. Tom was also a member of the County Fire Coordinator's Association of the State of New York.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mary Hurley Begley; his children Brian (Kristine) , Michael (Christine), Maureen (Bill) Wolpert, Eileen and Jim; his grandsons, Evan & Brady Begley, Tanner & Wyatt Wolpert, and Luke & Jake Begley. He is survived by his three sisters, Rosemary (Richard) Reiss, Margaret (Walter) Roettger, and Kathleen (Edward) Gill; former wife Dianne Ackenback; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and long-time friends.

Calling hours will be held Friday April 1 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at the Keysor-Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Saturday April 2, at St. Patrick's Church, Cato, at 10:30 AM. Burial will be immedietly following at Cato Union Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cato Fire Department: PO Box 252, Cato, NY 13033; or Hospice of the Finger Lakes: 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn, NY 13021. The Begleys thank everyone who cared for Tom during this journey.