Tom and family,

So sad, condolences.
Your Pop was a sweet and kind gentleman. I am a better person to have known him.
He will surely be missed.
So sorry.

Bernie L.(RCLS)

I am sharing this poster which was for advertising a symposium that we held in Tom's honor in 2011, several years before he retired.   The symposium had 9 of his colleagues speak about how Tom's genius in designing and building scientific equipment, knowledge in fixing our mass spectrometers, and generosity of time and spirit.  I will include two quotes taken from 29 nomination letters for a service award that was the subject of one of these talks.  

First, from Martin Stute: On numerous occasions, Tom has constructed new instruments for me. Tom is unusually invested in his work and really thinks thoroughly about what he does. It is a great pleasure to build new things with him, because these projects turn into joint developments and instruments always turn out to be a lot more functional than I ever envisioned them myself. Many people rely on his services and it must be hard to manage all these demands, yet in my experience, things get always finished by the deadline, sometimes only by a tiny sliver of a margin, but they get done.  

Second from Moanna St Clair: Tom honors Lamont with his presence, his work ethic, and the kind of person that we have all come to depend on. He is truly priceless. For everything else there are NSF, DOE, NIH, and yes - MasterCard.

Lamont has been less without Tom's presence and  I will miss him.  Steve Chillrud

Heaven gained a true angel. Tom was one of the kindest and most genuine of souls you could ever meet. Always smiling, always ready and eager to lend a helping hand to all. I am most grateful for his wisdom, support, and the laughter he shared with us all at the library each day. Tom was not just a colleague, but family to all. His legacy will eternally be etched into the minds of us all and the stories we share. Sending comfort and love to his entire family and all who knew him. Rest peacefully dear friend.

Our thoughts are with all of Tom's family on this sad day. I know how important family was to Tom as he often talked about weekend plans with family and family milestones. I met all of you over the years and particularly enjoyed when Marge stopped by to visit.  Sidney and I worked closely with Tom at Lamont and I had long conversations with him about work and life. He was a brilliant technical engineer who deserves a lot of recognition for the success of the labs at Lamont and the careers of the scientists who worked there. We share your grief.
Sidney and Gary Hemming

How fortunate we all were at Valley Cottage Library to have Tom among us. He was there before we opened and when we closed and at a moment's notice whenever needed. Tom cared for the Library and its Staff as if it were his other home and I think we all can agree we were so grateful for his guiding hand.  Tom is who you thought of when there was an emergency, in the building or out, among the staff or patrons! He was kind, empathetic, intelligent and  so generous with his time and concern.  My job as director was so often eased by Tom's wise counsel. I usually checked in with Tom before making any decisions concerning  the building. He made the building hum! 
He loved his family and friends so dearly. He lovingly shared many personal milestones in his life whether the marriage of his son James, the birth of the apple of his eye, Sydney or the opening of his son Tom's restaurant. I know his absence will be strongly felt. Take solace in knowing he loves you still and is at peace.  
Rest, dear Tom. xo

It seems as though Tom was always there—to help a new director become acquainted with the character of the Library building, to warn of impending storms so Staff could get a head start on getting safely home, to rescue the Children’s Room from a burst pipe, to haul out tons of cardboard boxes, to make sure snow plows did a “perfect job” clearing the parking lots, to exercise “control” on busy evenings.  He would help a library user with a cranky car, bring Marge by to say hello, show off his sons proudly and give good advice during building projects.  
What we were able to achieve with Tom on board!!
Rest dear soul, your work is done.

Tom Senior was a pillar of the Valley Cottage Library for all the time I have been here, and for many years before that, giving unique and invaluable service to staff and patrons alike.  I am grateful for all the help he has given all of us over the years and will miss him very much.   

Thank goodness he also bequeathed us his son to carry on his work.

OBITUARIO

Thomas J Protus

5 octubre, 1942 – 25 septiembre, 2023

Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc.

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