Thomas "Tom" K. Hamilton

Thomas K. Hamilton, 82, of Dolgeville, New York, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 3, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, New York with his loving family by his side.

He was born on February 13, 1939 on Brockett Hill in the Town of Oppenheim, New York and was the son of the late, Ernest and Wava (Jeffers) Hamilton. Tom was educated at Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School and graduated with the Class of 1956. He then furthered his studies at New Mexico State University where he graduated with the Class of 1962 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Tom was formerly employed with the United States Department of the Army in Huntsville, Alabama as a missileer; which was a civilian position where he engineered and designed missiles for the government. Tom served this position for over 43 years, retiring in 2005.

On April 1, 2016, Tom was united in marriage to Elaine Ruggiero in Dolgeville, New York. The couple shared many years together prior to their marriage.

Tom was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Dolgeville, a member of the Dolgeville Rod and Gun Club, Little Falls Elks Club, and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, wine making, gardening and going out to eat. His most favorite past time was traveling all over the World to Italy, Bora Bora, Japan, Hawaii and lastly his RV trips throughout the United States. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, Tom will be deeply missed by all who  knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine Ruggiero at home; his loving children, Dr. Denise Shaw and her husband, Jason of Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Timothy Hamilton and his wife, Deidre of Las Vegas, NV, Elizabeth Bickmore and her husband, Toby of Las Vegas, NV, and Sarah Wishon and her husband, Mike of OK; step-children, Kelly Colbert and her husband, William of Utica, NY and Joseph Moore and his wife, Nao Anna of Huntington Beach, CA; grandchildren, Ross DeVito, Nick DeVito, Jack Hamilton, Kate Hamilton, Josie Bickmore, Grayson Bickmore, Asher Wishon; step-grandchildren, Brady Colbert, Leilani Moore and Kaden Moore; sister, Constance Walrath-Weaver and her husband, Walter of Little Falls, NY; half-sister, Wava Markwardt and her husband, Tom of Oppenheim, NY; several nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Larry Hamilton; step-sisters, Joy Delucco, Alice Blood, and Delight LaBorgne; and a step-grandson, Brogan Colbert.

A memorial funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 31 N. Helmer Ave., Dolgeville, New York with Rev. Brian K. Slezak officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family prior to the memorial service at 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Procession will follow to St. Joseph's Cemetery where committal prayers will be offered.

The family would like to thank St. Elizabeth Medical Center, ICU for their diligent care for Tom during his stay.

In lieu of floral offerings, please consider memorial contributions for Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, 61 W. State St., Ilion, NY 13357and please note "In Memory of Thomas K. Hamilton" in the memo.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Family of Thomas K. Hamilton, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall.

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