Obituary of Thomas A. Wojdyla

Thomas A. Wojdyla, 68, of Rome, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 16, 2021. He was born in Rome, NY, on March, 28, 1953, son of Leonard S. and Jean Rowland Wojdyla. Tom was a graduate of Rome Free Academy, Class of 1971. On August 16, 1975, he married Wendy Gloria Calnero, the love of his life, in St. John's the Baptist Church. Tom was an all-star athlete, and played ice hockey at SUNY Brockport, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1976. After graduation, Tom worked with family to build and grow Calnero Construction and moved on to a successful career managing many commercial construction projects throughout the state. Affectionately known to his friends and family as "River", Tom was an enthusiastic fan of any sport, and was happiest when he was on the sideline at one of his children or grandchildren's sporting events. A lifelong member of the Dean Street crew, Tom looked forward to trips to Saratoga Racecourse every summer, where he graciously raced for picnic tables at the break of dawn so his friends and family could enjoy a day at the races together. Tom was an active member of the Lake Delta Yacht Club, and loved spending time on Delta Lake. Tom is survived by his loving wife of forty-six years, Wendy; his children, Kara (Bo) Pritchard, Saratoga Springs, NY; Betsy (Dean) Domenico, Poughkeepsie, NY; Tommie (Cara) Wojdyla, Rome, NY; four grandchildren, Joseph and Michael Domenico and Seren and Sylvie Pritchard; and two grand-dogs, Radley Bert and Parker Moon. Also surviving Tom are his brothers, Michael (Glory) Wojdyla and Lenny (Chris) Wojdyla; sisters-in-law, Lynn (Chet) DiBari, Lori (George) Edel, Shari (Matt Jackson) Calnero; brother-in-law Carl (Carol) Calnero; beloved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews; and many dear friends. Tom's family wishes to acknowledge the many friends and family who offered love and support during the last years of his life. They specifically acknowledge the care of Dr. Steven A. Rich and the staff of Rochester Geriatric Consultative Services at Rochester General Hospital; his caregivers, especially Nelonda Williams and Barbara Townsend; and the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care of Oneida County. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., at St. John the Baptist Church, 210 E. Dominick St.., Rome, with the Rev. Paul F. Angelicchio officiating. Friends and family may call on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Tom's memory to Lewy Body Dementia Association, www.lbda.org/donate or by mail to: LBDA, Inc., 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com