Hoosick Falls, NY- Thomas Edward Rickert, "Tom" passed away on September 25, 2023 at the Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls where he had been cared for over the last 17 years following a stroke. Tom was a resident of Cambridge, NY for much of his adult life.

Tom was born on October 31, 1947 in Albany, NY and was the eldest son of the late Margaret and John Zanella of Loudonville, NY. Tom was a graduate of Guilderland High School, Class of 1965 and served in the United States Army from 1969-1971 where he served in Vietnam.

To know Tom was a gift. Tom had a larger than life personality that filled a room. He was thoughtful, kind, compassionate and at many times the life of the party. Tom took after his parents Margaret and John and worked in the family's restaurant Ralph's Tavern in Colonie, NY as a bartender for many years and then continued in the hospitality industry where he worked at the Cambridge Hotel in Cambridge, NY and Wallie's of Greenwich, NY. Family, friends and community members would gather to enjoy one of his specialty cocktails or just dynamic conversation around the bars that he worked. Tom was known by many in the Town of Cambridge and he and wife, Jacquelyn Dickson Rickert were fortunate to have many friends in their community. Additionally, Tom also served as a United States Postal Worker.

Tom is survived by his wife and friend Jacquelyn Dickson Rickert of Saratoga, NY.  Loving daughter and friend Rebecca Rickert Santoli, son-in-law Steven Santoli, and his grandchildren Lucy(17), George(15) and John(13) Santoli of Monroe, CT. Tom will also be missed by his dear family members; brother David Zanella and wife Huanani "Tuffy" Zanella of Nevada, brother John Zanella of North Carolina, sister-in law Amy Zanella of Greenwich, NY, brother Daniel Zanella and husband Steven Horn of North Carolina, his nephews Robert Zanella and Jeremy Zanella of Greenwich, NY, niece Haley Zanella of Greenwich, NY, ex-wife and friend Mary Alys Dixon Prostack of Monroe, CT and his many other relatives & friends from each of his families. Tom was predeceased by his mother and confidant, Margaret Zanella and the man that he was so blessed to call his father, John Zanella, both of Loudonville, NY.

Throughout Tom's life, he could be found mixing a cocktail, playing golf, enjoying a card game, watching sports; especially his loved horse racing, reading the paper, picking out the most thoughtful gift, nibbling on chocolates, enjoying conversation with friends or sharing a laugh or smile with his grandchildren.

Tom's family wishes to thank the dedicated nursing staff & entire team at the Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls for his thoughtful care all these years. Tom has touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed, but his family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace now.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Tom's life on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. "A Toast to Tom" will be held immediately following Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Ralph's Tavern, 1328 Central Avenue, Colonie, NY 12205 from 7:45 p.m.-10 p.m. - all are welcome to attend. To honor Tom and the spirit he embodied, we ask that you come as you are- be casual, be comfortable, & plan to share memories and laughs as he would have wished.

Interment will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 with procession beginning at 9:30 a.m. from William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's name may be made to the Hoosick Falls Health Center Foundation, Inc. at 21 Danforth St. Hoosick Falls, NY 12090 or to the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer, P.O. Box 8295 New Haven, CT 06530 www.tommyfund.org

Cheers Tom, we love you!