Thomas J. Crego

Thomas J. Crego Sr., a man whose warmth, generosity, and deep roots in the Lima community touched so many lives, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family.

Tom was born in Rochester, New York, on November 1, 1943, to Richard and Helen Crego. He graduated from Monroe High School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the Rochester Institute of Technology—a degree that set the foundation for a life defined by hard work and service in equal measure. Before all of that, he got to serve as a bat boy for the Rochester Red Wings. For a kid growing up in Rochester, it doesn't get much better than that.

Tom spent the better part of his career at Rochester Gas & Electric, retiring after 36 years as the Director of Fossil Fuels Management. He was also a Realtor at Nothnagle and served as Past Director of the Rochester Purchasing Agents Association. But his professional life only tells part of the story. Tom was someone who showed up—for his neighborhood, his church, and his community—in ways that went far beyond any job description.

He and Diane planted their life in Lima, New York, more than 50 years ago, and Lima became his place in every meaningful sense. He served on the Lima Town Board as Deputy Supervisor, chaired the Lima Democratic Committee, was a member of the Lima Fire Department, and was a Past President of Lima Rotary. He also spent many years coaching his sons' Little League baseball and Legion Ball teams—a role that surely brought him back to his own days on the diamond. His Catholic faith was central to who he was: he became a parishioner at St. Rose Church in 1975 and contributed in many ways over the years, serving in several different roles including Trustee and Business Manager. He also served as Business Manager at St. Stanislaus parish in Rochester.

Outside of his community work, Tom had a great time living. He loved golf, had a standing seat at the poker table, and kept meticulous spreadsheets for his sports pools. He was a loyal Dodgers fan and an avid Bills fan—a combination that required a certain kind of optimism. He was social and outgoing, the sort of person who could strike up a conversation anywhere. His generosity wasn't occasional—it was just how he operated. If you needed help, Tom was already on his way.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Helen Crego; his brother James (Doris) Crego; and his daughter-in-law Jacquelynn Crego.

He is survived by his wife Diane, his children Thomas Jr., Douglas (Ann), Sheri (Michael) Fisher, Richard (Tara), and Mandy (Todd) Topor; his brothers John (Patricia) Crego and Robert (Marcy) Crego; his grandchildren Emma, Jordan, Anthony, Joseph, Kierstyn, Aidan, Austyn, Lauren, and Ella; his great-grandchildren Sutton and Sienna; and his cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Tom lived the way most of us hope to—anchored in faith and surrounded by people he loved. He will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18th at St. Rose Church, 1985 Lake Avenue, Lima. A private burial for immediate family will follow. Friends and loved ones are then invited to join the family for a reception at Fanatics Pub in Lima from 12:00 – 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Lima Fire Department, PO Box 29A, Lima, New York 14485 in Tom's memory.