Saratoga Springs, NY - Thomas David De Garay (Tommy), retired New York City police officer, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2024 at the Senator Bob Hooper House in Forest Hill, MD. The second of twelve children, Tommy was born in Brooklyn, NY on August 21, 1935 to the late Francis and Claire De Garay.

He proudly served in the United States Marines and Army where he met his beloved wife, Birgit, while stationed in Germany. They resided in West Haverstraw, NY where they raised their two children. Tommy coached several girls' soccer teams in the North Rockland Soccer Association and then retired to Middleburgh, NY where he continued coaching soccer, dabbled in real estate, and also enjoyed his extensive vegetable garden. Tommy had many passions including reading, sports, music, the stock market, and watching classic movies. During his later years, he resided in both Saratoga Springs, NY and Perry Hall, MD where he frequented many local restaurants, befriending the wait staff and diners alike.

Tommy was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Bibi, from Nokia, Finland and two brothers John (Martha) and Vincent (Carol). He leaves behind his two beloved children, Tanya McDonnell (John) and Thomas De Garay (Stacy); treasured grandchildren Maja (Gehrig), Liam, Shawn, and Aidan; devoted brothers Francis (Marilyn), Gerard (Carol), Stephen (Dorothy), Michael (Carolina), Timothy (Rukmin); loving sisters Ann, Mary (Joseph), Veronica (Victor), and Regina (Scott); and numerous adored nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends.

While our hearts are filled with sorrow, it is comforting to know that Tommy's enduring spirit will live on in each of us through our stories and memories.

Family and friends will honor and celebrate Tommy's life on Thursday, May 23rd from 5pm to 8pm at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Ballston Spa, NY on Friday, May 24th at 11am.

Interment will take place in Keyserkill Cemetery in Middleburgh, NY on Saturday May 25th at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tommy's name to the Senator Bob Hooper House in Forest Hill, MD or to your local library.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com