Thomas Darryl Burton

Thomas Darryl Burton was born February 8, 1967 to Elizabeth Tolliver and Thomas A. Burton at Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan NY. He lived in the Baychester area of the Bronx attending Parkway and South Madison Schools before the family moved to Rockland County where he attended Spring Valley Junior and Senior High Schools. Thomas went on to attend Colgate University graduating with a bachelors in 1989. One of the greatest joys of his life was becoming a member of Kappa Delta Rho.

Thomas ran track and would often walk to school when no car was available. He played in a band during high school and played saxophone and guitar at home. Thomas was an avid football fan. He played football from grade school through college and even tried out for the Dallas Cowboys. Thomas also loved car racing and attending car shows.

Thomas met and a fell in love with Surita Jones. They were joined in holy matrimony on August 21, 2009.

Very industrious, Thomas started work at the age of 16. He worked as a salesman for Sears, a life and long-term care insurance representative and a car salesman for Pontiac receiving many honesty and sales awards. Thomas’ most beloved position was as a mortgage representative with Argent Mortgage Company where he loved helping families secure mortgages and financing. Thomas worked until his health prohibited him. Still he always dreamed of returning to work.

So kind and generous, Thomas never had a bad word to say about anyone. His dad taught him to be true to himself and he carried that into his adult life. Very intelligent, he loved to discuss food, diet, history, medicine, politics, religion and life in general. He believed in getting things done, not depending upon others. No matter the challenges he faced, Thomas never gave up his dream of cooking and becoming active again.

Thomas passed on June 20, 2021. He joins in eternal rest: his father, Thomas Burton; maternal grandparents, Alberto & King Tolliver and paternal grandmother, Mamie Burton.

He leaves to cherish his memory: wife, Surita Jones-Burton; mother Elizabeth Burton, a host of aunts and uncles, hundreds of cousins, cherished childhood friend Steve Corbo, fraternity brother Joe (Melony) Hunt and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Thomas’ AIG caregivers and drivers, John, Adam and Ives who were always kind and very supportive.