Saratoga Springs, NY - Thomas Leroy Michael Hatlee passed peacefully on October 25, 2024 after a long illness. He was 81 years old. He was surrounded by family and Rosie and Onnie.

Tom was raised in the Saratoga county hamlet of Jonesville. The son of Henry and Stella (Saranac) Hatlee. He is pre-deceased by his parents and sisters Linda Welch and infant Margaret. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Barbara (Swenson) Hatlee, his daughter, Kimberly (Avery) Briscoe of Columbia, MD and step-son Corwin (Jessica) Ravenstar of Saratoga Springs. Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren, Alexis and Skylar Briscoe of Maryland and Maitreya and Alahna Ravenstar of Saratoga Springs.

Tom was a 30 plus year NYS employee working in both NYS DOT and DOCS, retiring in 1995. He retired in 2003 as a Chief Warrant Office Five after 40 years of service with both the New York and Vermont Army National Guard. He was especially proud of his time in uniform and always said he'd still be in if they let him!

After retirement, he found time to paint the garage floor every color of paint he found. Subsequently he was encouraged by his wife to find a job. He then spent time as a Saratoga Springs school bus driver as well as groundskeeper at the Church of St Peter and several years assisting at Burke Funeral home.

He was a longtime volunteer at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Veteran's Cemetery. Tom continued to volunteer at multiple other community organizations throughout his retired years. He lived to give back to his community.

He was a 50 year member of the American Legion and longtime member of the Elks, NGAUS, MOAA, Operation Adopt a Soldier, and Warrant Officer Association.

Tom knew everyone and he was known by many.

He spent his last years traveling and cruising with his wife making lasting happy memories. His favorite place to visit was Alaska where he finally got to see his grizzly bear!

Relatives and friends may call from 9:30 to 10:30am, November 8, 2024 at the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated beginning at 10:30am.

Burial with Military Honors will follow at 12pm at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY.

The family would like to acknowledge the support of the Community Hospice of Saratoga, with special love sent to Jill Kostyk-Tedford, Melanie (MiMi) Liles, Emily, Maryanne, Dr John Pezullo, PA Mitch Forshay and all the staff who walk as angels on earth.

Donations to one's preferred veteran's organization or Adopt a Soldier would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com