On most days, Tom used to sit on a milk crate in front of the deli next to Sam's Restaurant on Court Street. But sadly, he just passed away and neighbors have erected a little memorial right on the same spot where he use to spend his days.
Flowers. candles and photos of him have been set out and local residents can leave their tribute to Tom.
I do not know much about Tom, except that I probably passed him hundreds of time on my way up and down Court Street. Sometimes, I would exchange a few words with him.
Judging by the many lovely comments left at the little memorial, he will be very much missed.
UPDATE:
My friend Vince just left a beautiful and moving comment about Tom. Thanks for taking the time to tell us a little about him.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingBack in the early 90's when there still was a Chemical Bank, my office was near a branch on 19th and 5th ave. It was my branch. There was a "homeless" guy who spent all day and much of the evening holding the door for customers at the cash machines. I found this very annoying and would be rude and never gave him money. After a few months he kind of won me over with his genuine outgoing, non creepy, not weird style and love of music which he constanly listened too and often commented on. About the time I got accustomed to him being there and my annoyance was won over the branch closed he was gone. Less than 1 week later I was walking on Court St and we saw each other . I was amazed. He was panhandling with his headphones near Sam's. I think we were both happy to see each other and for the coincidences of life. I said how did you get here, he said he lived in Brooklyn and this was a good place for him. He said a little about a girlfriend and his apartment. We talked a little about the music he was litening to and life went on for him and for me until now. I did not know he passed unitil reading this blog.
Vince
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3 comments:
Back in the early 90's when there still was a Chemical Bank, my office was near a branch on 19th and 5th ave. It was my branch. There was a "homeless" guy who spent all day and much of the evening holding the door for customers at the cash machines. I found this very annoying and would be rude and never gave him money. After a few months he kind of won me over with his genuine outgoing, non creepy, not weird style and love of music which he constanly listened too and often commented on. About the time I got acustomed to him being there and my annoyance was won over the branch closed he was gone. Less than 1 week later I was walking on Court St and we saw each other . I was amazed. He was panhandling with his headphones near Sam's. I think we were both happy to see each other and for the coincidences of life. I said how did you get here, he said he lived in Brooklyn and this was a good place for him. He said a little about a girlfiend and his apartment. We talked a little about the music he was litening to and life went on for him and for me until now. I did not know he passed unitil reading this blog.
Vince
I'm truly sad to hear about Tom's passing. A smile, a wink and a thumbs up is probably what I'll remember most about him. He truly had class.
Never Pushy - Never Mean.
More often than not, when I'd pass Tom, I'd smile & he'd smile - - I'd tip my hat & he'd to the same.
He never asked for money but accpeted it with good humor and a smile.
May God rest his soul.
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