Obituaries

Thomas B. Gaylets, age 82, a lifelong resident of Old Forge, passed away Monday morning at home. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Eleanor Taroli Gaylets. Wed on February 6, 1954, the couple just celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Born on February 9, 1931, son of the late Andrew and Annetta Johnson Gaylets, Thomas was a graduate of Old Forge High School, Class of 1950. A proud and highly decorated Army Veteran and P.O.W. of the Korean War, amongst many accolades he received the Bronze Star with ‘V’ for Valor. He was also a member of the P.O.W., Keystone Chapter; and the VFW and the American Legion of Edwardsville. He worked as a mason for Taroli Builders, in maintenance for the Pennsylvania turnpike and retired as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. His favorite hobby was woodworking, a pastime he was passionate about. He was a devoted husband and a loving father and the biggest’s fan for all of his grandchildren.
He is also survived by his three children, Raymond Gaylets and wife Mena of Throop and children, Tyler and wife Eryn, Ryan and Stephen; Thomas Gaylets and wife Tina of Kingston and children, Christopher and Brianna; and Mary Biscotti and husband Dr. Mauer Biscotti of Kingston and their children, Dr. Mauer, III., and Matthew; and many nieces and nephews.
Many siblings preceded him in death.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Friday at 10:00AM in St. Mary of the Assumption Church at Prince of Peace Parish, Old Forge, to be celebrated by Rev. Louis T. Kaminski, Pastor. Private entombment with full military rites by the AMVETS Honor Guard will follow at the Fairview Memorial Park Mausoleum in Elmhurst.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 5-7:00PM at the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street, Old Forge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Thomas’ name to the Wounded Warriors, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.