Thomas J. Shaheen

Tom was born in Tupper Lake on Jan. 6, 1933, the son of Joseph and Anecy (Frank) Shaheen. He attended Tupper Lake High School.

He co-owned Shaheen’s IGA with his brothers and worked for many decades until his retirement at age 65.

On Sept. 5, 1960, he married the love of his life, Rose Marie Becker. They were happily wed for 53 years until her death in 2013.

To many family and friends, Tom is still referred to by his longtime nickname of “Cigar.”

He enjoyed bowling for many years and loved playing cards and cribbage. Our father loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family. He was a hardworking and loving man with a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He instilled in all of his children a strong work ethic.

He is survived by one brother, Ayupe, and his wife Carolyn, and his beloved sister Mateele Kall and her husband Sheldon; eight children: Anecy Shaheen, Margaret Gaff and her husband Michael, Tina LaVassaur and her husband Mark, Eric Shaheen and his wife Briggette, Carol Shaheen, Michael Shaheen and his fiancee Katie Britt, Rose Peterson and her husband Cecil, and Dawn Wright and her husband Scott; 12 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Anecy Shaheen; three siblings: Shaheen, George and Joseph Shaheen, and by his wife Rose.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 17, at the Stuart-Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 18 at St. Alphonsus Church in Tupper Lake.

Memorial contributions can be made to High Peaks Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.