Tom is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rosemary (Gildea); his children, Thomas, Michael (Uma), and Elizabeth O’Rourke (Sean); and seven grandchildren, Kevin, Ann, Brian, Owen, James, Olivia, and Mary. He is also survived by his brother, Matthew (Joy); as well as eleven nieces and nephews; and many cherished in-laws and cousins.
Tom grew up in Washington Heights and attended Incarnation School, La Salle Academy, and Baruch College. He ventured into the Bronx for a high school dance where he met (and some say stalked) the love of his life Rosemary Gildea, finally catching her attention on St. Patrick’s Day, 1969. He made Rosemary his “bride” in 1974, a title by which he lovingly referred to her throughout their 50 years of marriage. Tom was happiest by the side of his beloved Rosemary, many said they were connected at the hip. They traveled the world together through their years working in the airlines and in tourism, and continued enjoying exotic family vacations and cruises, but always circled back to their treasured retreat in the Hamptons. Countless family memories were made in the pool, at the beach, on the boat, and around the grill.
Following a successful career in tourism throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, Tom pivoted to the emerging telecommunications industry. Tom excelled in sales and held a variety of management positions at several large companies. While at MCI, he was a three-time member of the Chairman’s 100 Inner Circle, in recognition as the top revenue producing channel in the company. He also served on the Mayor’s telecommunications task force for the City of New York and helped draft the Telecommunications Recovery Act for the City. But Tom was most thrilled to share his passion for business with his two sons when together they founded the Technology Opportunity Group, also known as SolEx. Over the last 25 years, he has cherished his time working alongside his “boys” and growing SolEx into a prestigious and successful corporation.
Part of what made Tom so successful was his love of connecting with people. Eternally proud of his Irish heritage, he was famous for asking (with a lilt) “Where are you from at home?” Nine times out of ten, he would find a connection of some friend or relative in common, whether through business, ancestral connections in Ireland, or the Parishes of the New York Archdiocese. Tom had a gift for making fast and lasting friends with his talent at storytelling and signature sense of humor.
Tom worked hard to provide for his children, but he worked twice as hard to be the best Dad (a.k.a. “Da”) to them. He coached basketball and baseball, drove miles to practices, games, and baseball trivia shows, while attending every concert, Father-Daughter dance, and special event in between. He was there to celebrate every success and encourage them after every disappointment. This continued when he became “Grandpa” in 2011. He loved that he lived so close to his grandchildren, enabling him to watch them grow up and be present for them as he did his own children.
Tom will be sorely missed and remembered by many, because of his love for his family and friends with whom he shared many years of laughter and good times. That is his legacy.
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Luis Simo says
March 16, 2025 at 10:55 amMy deepest condolences for your family members
Mike Green says
March 16, 2025 at 11:46 amMike, Tom Jr and all of your family,
I was very sorry to hearing of Tom Sr’s passing. He was a long time business associate and I will miss his engaging stories and gentle manner. Tom was instrumental in my career and I will not forget his guidance and generosity with his time and knowledge. He will be missed.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Marcela Perez says
March 16, 2025 at 7:09 pmI am deply saddened by the loss of Mr McCrosson
I have the best memorias of both him and Mrs. McCrosson welcoming me into their home and having me over. He we’ll be missed.
My heart goes out to all the family, specially Mrs. McCrosson, Tom, Mike, and Liz
You’ll all be in my prayers
Love
Marcela
Michele Shaw says
March 16, 2025 at 7:40 pmI have known Tom since he was known as Tommy because he was married to my husband’s cousin Rosemary Gildea. I will remember Tom for his warm smile and how much he loved his family. My loving condolences to Rosemary, Tom, Michael. Liz and their families. Tom was one of the “good guys” and will be missed.
Paul Barton says
March 17, 2025 at 10:40 amPlease accept my sincere condolences. I wish your family peace and healing during this time.
Angelo J Marino says
March 17, 2025 at 2:57 pmDear Rosemary and family,
On behalf of Colleen, my children, their spouses and my grandchildren, I wish to express our sympathy for the passing of Tom. I know words can’t give comfort. However, I can share with you some thoughts. Something that has helped me is my belief in God, in what I call circles that He creates. One of the circles consists of family, relatives, another friends, and another neighbors or acquaintances and the circles continue ad infinitum. Each circle remains unchanged; only the form of the person changes but that special person remains with you, always giving you his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, his protection, comfort and intercession.
A prayer I like that applies to each moment of life is as follows:
There’s a very special place
beyond the skies above
somewhere very peaceful
that is full of light and love.
That special place is heaven
where you’re free to laugh, roam
and tell stories,
that’s where his angel took him.
His soul is laid to rest
safe with all the angels
with all his circles
for his angels take only the best.
I will keep Tom and you, and all of your family in my prayers.
Ang
Scott Kravitz says
March 17, 2025 at 4:22 pmMike and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you during this difficult and sad time.
Sincerely,
Scott Kravitz, Lucy Merklee, Dan Rodgers, and Johnie Rodgers (AT&T Partners)
Lenny D'Amico says
March 18, 2025 at 1:21 pmMike
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
Lenny ’96
John D. Plummer says
March 18, 2025 at 7:25 pmSo sorry for your loss Tom, my good friend from Holy Cross, and family! Tom Sr. led quite a life and I am sure he is smiling down on us all from Heaven! Talk to him everyday – that is what I do since my Dad passed 3 years ago – believe me he will answer! God bless!
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