Thomas Stickles Sr., 60, of Austerlitz, passed away on July 26th at home surrounded by friends and family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hudson, NY on May 14, 1954 to Charles and Lucy Stickles (Bishop), Tom lived his entire life in Columbia County. He served during the Vietnam War Era, where he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal. Tom was a past Commander of Ghent VFW Post 5933, Ghent, NY. He was employed as a machine operator at Wastequip in New Lebanon, NY for the last 14 years. His favorite spots to spend time relaxing were at the ocean in Wells, Maine and Lake George. He is survived by his children: Angela DeBella of Lunenburg, MA, Kristina Eaton Foutch (Terry) of Chatham , Thomas L. Stickles, Jr. of Austerlitz, Chuck (Gina) Stickles of Ghent, Brian Stickles (Valerie Cunha) of Cohoes and step-son Justin Van Alphen of Rhode Island.. His pride and joy, his grandchildren, Brianna, Alyssa, Paige, Cameron, Layden, Hunter and Olivia. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Bill Quinn, who raised him from a very early age after his parents passed away and with whom he resided in Austerlitz, his brother Rodney Stickles Sr. of Chatham and his sister-in-law Jeanette Stickles of Brockton, MA. He also leaves behind his lifelong childhood friend and "pool hall" mate Eugene Sweatt of Canaan. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister Shirley Stickles, his brother Charles Stickles Jr., his brother Don Stickles, an infant son Robert Stickles and several aunts and uncles. Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours at Wenk Funeral Home, 21 Payn Avenue, Chatham, NY on Friday August 1st from 11am to 2pm. A brief funeral service will be held at 2pm followed by interment with full military honors at the Austerlitz Cemetery. A reception to celebrate Tom's life will be held immediately following the funeral at Spencertown Fire House. The family wishes to thank his home care nurses, Niece Cathy Leonard and longtime family friend Lori Weaver. Also, the nurses on C5 at Albany Medical Center and Oncologist Dr. Evangelist and her staff at NY Oncology Hematology of Albany Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to the Ghent VFW Post 5933, Route 66, Ghent NY.