Thomas Gibbs Hairston

Tom was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 30, 1925, to the late Otis and Marion Hairston. Raised in Brooklyn he attended Boys High School where in his 3rd year decided to serve his country in WWII.

He entered the Army on December 1, 1943 where he served as an MP. After being honorably discharged from the Army in April of1946 with the rank of Corporal, he moved back to Brooklyn finished his last year of High School and went on to Long Island University.

His professional career began in the tobacco industry with Liggett & Meyers and then turned to advertising with the New York Amsterdam News where he worked for the next 30 years until he retired.

In his 89 years Thomas Gibbs Hairston lived life as it should be, full of love, family, friends and Jazz. He consistently brought a sense of humor and quick wit to everyone who had the fortune of meeting him.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Marie-Ann Hairston, his sister Portia E. Paterson, his children; Deborah L. Barrett, and her mother Norma R. Hairston, Jennifer A. Hairston, Thomas A. Hairston and his wife Kristen. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Annabelle, Brooklyn, Lindsay and Patrick, nieces, nephews, and list special friends.

Tom was predeceased by his daughter Catherine A. Hairston, his brother Otis Hairston and his son-in-law Curtis Barrett.

Thomas Gibbs Hairston’s final resting place will be Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, NY.

In Lieu of flowers Thomas' family request donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. http://alz.org/donate