Thomas B. Lanci

Rensselaer-It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Thomas B. Lanci, who entered eternal life on March 12, 2025.

Tom, a gentle, hardworking and well-loved man, was the son of the late Camillo and Carmela (Parese) Lanci. Tom was raised in Rensselaer and developed his devout work ethic as a young teen accompanying his father on home building sites and assisting his maternal aunt at her corner grocery store also in Rensselaer. Tom graduated as First Lieutenant Officer from Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) where he further developed his lifelong values - dependability, responsibility, integrity, and where he earned the title of All State Champion, in track and field for shot put.

Tom graduated from St. Michael’s college in VT, joined the National Guard, and worked at Huyck Felt Company in Rensselaer. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed many years bowling and playing cards with friends and family. After completing his higher education at Russell Sage College Evening Division, Tom embarked on a successful 35-year career with New York State as a Systems/Budget Analyst for the Department of Social Services. Tom made many meaningful contributions through his work at the state, most notably assisting in the establishment of the nation’s first interstate child support locator and enforcement system.

Tom enjoyed spending time with his family at his homes in Defreestville which were known for their beauty and meticulously groomed landscapes. An avid gardener and woodworker, Tom was always outdoors tending to flora and fauna, ensuring perfection in every yard and home improvement project he tackled. His hobbies afforded him a chance to create, learn, explore and relax. Tom enjoyed many years of travel, frequenting California, Colorado and Minneapolis to visit his daughters and to explore the local histories and sites each unique location had to offer. His favorites were Sedona, Santa Fe, San Francisco, and viewing the New Year’s Day Rose Parade floats in Pasadena. His home away from home, however, was always The Cape where he enjoyed endless summer days walking the beaches of Dennisport and swimming in the Atlantic. Tom also enjoyed the love and companionship of many pets throughout his lifetime - his own, his children's, and those of friends and neighbors who gravitated to his calm, compassionate presence.

Tom will be remembered for his unwavering love and devotion to his family, his finish carpentry talents, his quiet generosity and absolute reliability. He was a steadfast presence to those closest to him, always lending a hand or constructive guidance. Tom was known for his comprehensive fix-it skills and spent many happy hours in his basement workshop, guiding family, friends and neighbors on tricks-of-the-trade.

Always close to Tom’s heart were his in-laws Charles and Elizabeth Motta, and his sister-in-law Geraldine (Babe Motta) Caropreso (Tony).

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carmella (Mel) Motta Lanci, his cherished daughters Michele Lanci Fields, Angela Lanci-Macris, and his much-loved sons-in-law’s Michael (Mick) Fields and James J. (Jim) Macris. He is also survived by his brother, Carmen (Peggy) Lanci, nieces and nephews Lorraine (Lanci) & Andy Heck, Cynthia (Lanci) & Frank Gingras, Mark & JoAnne (Dispenza) Caropreso, Marisa (Caropreso) & Brian Akley, and numerous cousins, great nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed greatly and will miss him dearly.

The family would like to thank the staff and administration of the Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing Home, specifically those on B1, for the compassionate care given to Tom and for their warm presence and support. Blessings to you all.

A Mass of Christian Death and Burial will be offered on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 1pm at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 175 Williams Road, Troy. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the service, from 10:30am-12:30pm, at the W.J. Lyons, Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. A burial will immediately follow the mass in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Columbia-Greene Humane Society, 111 Humane Society Road or charity of choice in his memory. The family looks forward to sharing a celebration of Tom's life with so many that he touched at a later date.

Tom was a grounding force in our lives, and his memory will forever be treasured. Rest in peace, dear man. You were one-of-a-kind and will always be in our hearts.